Patent Publication Number: US-7213491-B1

Title: Ratcheting tool

Description:
The present application relates to a ratcheting tool, and in particular, to an axial pawl mechanism used with a hand tool or power tool to provide for application of torque and ratcheting in order to tighten or loosen a fastener. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Radial pawl systems are known for ratcheting mechanisms. A gear having peripheral teeth is mounted within the head of a tool and a pawl, having an individual finger, is pivotally mounted at the periphery of the gear. The pawl is biased into engagement with one or two teeth of the gear and when the head is rotated in one direction, transmits head rotation to the gear and when the head is rotated in the opposite direction, allows the head to undergo ratcheting rotation relative to the gear. The pawl generally includes a spring to bias the pawl to the engaged position against the teeth of the gear. In other embodiments, a radial pawl is provided which is a generally semicircular shaped disc having pawls formed by top corners of the disc. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,141 provides a reversible pawl disc that pivots between a first position, allowing ratcheting rotation in a first direction, and a second position, allowing for ratcheting rotation in a second direction. Such ratcheting pawl mechanisms have one to four teeth of the pawl engageable with the gear. Therefore, there is much vibration applied to a few teeth. As well, when the pawl engages the gear, in order to prevent rotation, there is a great amount of pressure against the teeth of the pawl. Therefore, such ratchet mechanisms provide a great amount of wear on the pawl and the lifetime of such pawls is limited. 
   While some pawl mechanisms are known that have teeth extending axially from a face of a disc, such systems have been very limited in their use and are not adaptable for use in most hand tools or power tools. Axial gear teeth of some prior art mechanisms are not easily adapted for bidirectional use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,409 discloses a hand wrench having a crescent-shaped head portion having axial teeth formed on both sides. In order to provide for bidirectional ratcheting, the head portion must be removed completely from the wrench, inverted, and replaced on the wrench in the inverted position to provide for ratcheting in the opposite direction. Such a device is cumbersome to use and allows for the possibility that the head portion may be lost or displaced from the wrench. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present application pertains to a ratcheting tool comprising a first gear including a peripheral engagement surface and axial gear teeth on a first side providing for ratcheting in a first direction, a second gear having axial gear teeth and disposed so that the first disc axial gear teeth are engageable with the second gear axial gear teeth to provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A drive member is provided having an opening having inner diameter surface and disposed for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein so that the peripheral engagement surface of the first disc engages the inner diameter surface of the drive member in order to transfer torque between the drive member and the axial pawl ratchet assembly and an axially movable reverse ring coupled to the axial pawl ratchet assembly for axially adjusting the position of at least one of the first and second gears between a first position and a second position. In the first position the first and second gears are in engagement so that the ratchet assembly will ratchet in a first direction and transmit torque in a second direction. In the second position the first and second gears are out of engagement. In an embodiment, the second gear may include a second side having axial gear teeth, and may further comprise a third gear having axial gear teeth, the third gear being mounted to the second side of the second gear so that the second gear axial gear teeth are engageable with the axial gear teeth of the third gear to provide for torque transmission in the first direction and ratcheting in the second direction. 
   In an embodiment, the drive member may receive a rod having a bit. In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may further comprise a gear holder mounted within the drive member and the second gear is formed as one piece with the gear holder. In an embodiment, the reverse ring may encircle the second gear and actuate between the first and second positions. 
   In an embodiment, the axial gear teeth of the first and second gears may pass over one another to provide overrunning or ratcheting. In an embodiment, the drive member may be torqued and rotates the first disc via the peripheral radial gear teeth interconnected with the inner diameter teeth of the drive member. In an embodiment, the reverse ring may be mounted within the opening of the drive member and engage the reverse cap to provide an actuation mechanism to provide for adjusting of the axial position of the first and second gear within the opening between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the drive member may include an inner diameter engagement portion for engaging inner diameter teeth of a third gear. 
   In an embodiment, the first and second gears and the reverse ring may be assembled together to form the axial pawl ratchet assembly and the reverse ring provides for actuation of the first and second gears. In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may further comprise a bias structure mounted to the drive member and resiliently biasing each of the first and third gear into engagement with the second gear. In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may have torque transmitted from a bit holder via the first gear or the third gear through the second gear via a gear holder to the drive member. 
   In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may further comprise a reverse cap having a slot for receiving a lug extending from the actuator so that upon rotation of the reverse cap the lug rides in the slot in order to adjust the axial position of the actuator. In an embodiment, the slot may be disposed on an inner wall of the reverse cap, the cap having a bore having an open end and a closed end and the slot extending between a first point adjacent the open end and a second point adjacent the closed end. In an embodiment, positioning of the lug at the first point may provide for the actuator to move the third gear out of engagement with the second gear to allow for the first gear to engage the second gear to provide ratcheting rotation in a first direction and torquing rotation in a second direction. In an embodiment, the positioning of the lug at the second point provides for the actuator to move the first gear out of engagement with the second gear to allow the third gear to engage the second gear to provide for torquing rotation in the first direction and ratcheting rotation in the second direction. In an embodiment, the slot may include a midpoint disposed generally between the first point and the second point. In an embodiment, positioning of the lug at the midpoint may provide for the actuator to be located in a neutral position that allows for the first gear and third gear to engage the second gear in order to lock the ratcheting axial pawl mechanism. 
   In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may further comprise a pin mounted to the drive member and the reverse cap may include a recessed area for receiving the pin. In an embodiment, the recessed area may include three detents corresponding to the first point, second point and midpoint so that upon rotating of the reverse cap to locate the actuator lugs in the first point, second point or midpoint the pin will simultaneously be moved in alignment with a first detent, second detent or middle detent, respectively. 
   In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may further comprise a detention slot formed in the wall of the reverse cap and a detention lug protruding from the drive member for engaging the detention slot in order to retain the reverse cap to the drive member. In an embodiment, the detention slot may include an entry portion formed at about a right angle to a positioning portion of the slot so that upon placement of the reverse cap onto the drive member the detention lug is received by the entry portion and the cap is freely movable axially while the detention lug is within the entry portion. In an embodiment, upon rotation of the reverse cap the detention lug may be moved to the positioning portion and causes the pin to be captured within the recessed area and the combination of the pin captured by the recessed area and the detention lug received in the positioning portion causes the reverse cap to be retained on the drive member. In an embodiment, the pin may be spring loaded so that capture of the pin within the recessed area may prevent separation of the reverse cap from the drive member and restrict rotation of the reverse cap to an operational range equal to the length of the recessed area. 
   In an embodiment, one of the detents may include a hole extending through the top of the reverse cap so that when the pin is aligned with the hole a release tool may be inserted through the hole to depress the pin allowing for rotation of the reverse cap beyond the operational range and the detention lug is moved to the entry portion of the detention slot and the reverse cap may be removed from the drive member. In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may be provided in a first engagement position and the actuator may be adjusted radially so that the first gear and the second gear will ratchet only in a first direction and transmit torque in a second direction to the drive member. In an embodiment, the axial pawl ratchet mechanism may be oriented in a second engagement position and the first gear may be adjusted radially so that it shifts its position engaging the second gear so that the first and second gear will ratchet only in a second direction and transmit torque in the first direction to the drive member. 
   In a further embodiment, a hand tool is provided comprising a tool head including a bore having an inner diameter having teeth, first and second gears each having peripheral gear teeth and axial gear teeth; a ratchet disc having first and second sides, each having axial gear teeth and the ratchet disc being mounted between the first and second gears providing an axial pawl ratchet mechanism where the axial gear teeth of the first side of the ratchet disc engage the axial gear teeth of the first gear and the axial gear teeth of the second side of the ratchet disc engage the axial gear teeth of the second gear, and an actuator mounted in the ratchet head and coupled to the axial pawl ratchet mechanism in order to move the axial pawl ratchet mechanism between a first condition where the first gear will ratchet in a first direction and transmit torque in a second direction and a second condition where the second gear will ratchet in the second direction and transmit torque in the first direction. In an embodiment, the tool may further comprise a rod disposed within the ratchet head, the first and second gears mounted to the rod and the ratchet disc formed as one piece with the rod. In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a ring encircling the ratchet disc providing a ratchet disc assembly and the ring has a first diameter and each of the first and second gears have a second diameter and the first and second diameters are approximately equal. In an embodiment, the actuator includes a pair of lugs protruding from sides of the ring beyond the first diameter. 
   In an embodiment, the tool may further comprise a reverse cap mounted to the head and the lugs of the ring engage the reverse cap to provide for axial adjustment of the axial pawl ratchet mechanism within a bore of the head between the first position and the second position via adjustment to the reverse cap. In an embodiment, the reverse cap may include a channel for controlling axial movement of the actuator within the tool head, so that in the first position, the first gear will ratchet only in a first direction and transmit torque in the second direction to the drive member. In an embodiment, the tool may further comprise the reverse cap mounted over an end and enclosing the head member. In an embodiment, the reverse cap includes a self-retaining means having a plunger received in an aperture in the reverse cap. 
   In an additional embodiment, an axial pawl ratchet mechanism is provided comprising an axial pawl ratchet mechanism comprising a first gear having axial gear teeth providing for ratcheting in a first direction, a second gear having a first and second side, each of the sides having axial gear teeth and disposed so that the axial gear teeth of the first side are engageable with the axial gear teeth of the first gear, a third gear having axial gear teeth, the third gear being disposed so that the axial gear teeth of the second side are engaged with the axial gear teeth of the third gear and the first, second and third gears provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly and an actuator coupled to the axial pawl ratchet assembly for adjusting the axial positioning of the first and third gear between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second gear engages only the first gear for ratcheting in a first direction and transmitting torque in a second direction, and in the second position the second gear engages only the third gear for ratcheting in the second direction and transmitting torque in the first direction. 
   In an embodiment, a pair of springs may be mounted within the ratchet head that bias the first and third gears into engagement with the second gear. In an embodiment, the first and third gears may be caused to alternatingly engage the second gear via axial adjustment of the actuator. In an embodiment, a ratchet head for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly may be provided and wherein first and third gears are radially fixed within the ratchet head. In an embodiment, a gear holder may be disposed within the ratchet head, the gear holder having outer diameter gear teeth for receiving the second gear thereon. In an embodiment, radial gear teeth may be provided on an inner diameter of the second gear and wherein the gear holder transfers torque to the ratchet head via the radial gear teeth engaging the outer diameter gear teeth of the gear holder when the second gear is engaged in a torque transmitting position with the first or third gears. In an embodiment, the second disc may comprise a pawl disc. In an embodiment, the pawl disc may be formed integrally with the gear holder. In an embodiment, the pawl disc may be a separate disc mounted to the gear holder. 
   In still another embodiment a ratcheting tool is provided comprising a driver having an axis of rotation, a gear holder mounted to the driver, a bidirectional gear disposed on the gear holder, a reverse ring mounted adjacent to the bidirectional gear, the ring having a protruding lug, a pair of gear discs respectively disposed on opposite sides of the bidirectional gear and engageable with the reverse ring and a reverse cap having a slot for receiving the lug and the slot oriented to provide a travel path for the lug so that upon rotation of the reverse cap the reverse ring is adjusted along the axis in order to disengage one of the gear discs from engagement with the bidirectional gear. In an embodiment, the bidirectional gear may be formed as one piece with the gear holder. In an embodiment, the bidirectional gear may be formed as a disc having an open center that is mounted over the gear holder. In an embodiment, the reverse ring may include a pair of lugs. In an embodiment, each of the gear discs may include axial gear teeth and the bidirectional gear includes axial gear teeth on each side for engaging the axial gear teeth of each gear disc. 
   In an embodiment, the bidirectional gear may include a first side having axial gear teeth for providing ratcheting in a first direction and driving in a second direction and a second side having axial gear teeth for providing ratcheting in the second direction and driving in the first direction. In an embodiment, a first bias member may be biasing a first gear disc against the bidirectional gear in order to provide driving in the second direction. In an embodiment, a second bias member may be biasing a second gear disc against the bidirectional gear in order to provide driving in the first direction. In an embodiment, the slot may be formed in a sidewall of the reverse cap and the slot extends between a first and second engagement position wherein the first engagement position is adjacent an open end of the cap and the second engagement position is adjacent a closed end of the cap. In an embodiment, a detention mechanism may be provided by the reverse cap. In an embodiment, the detention mechanism may include a second slot formed in the reverse cap, the second slot for receiving a detention lug protruding from the driver. In an embodiment, the detention mechanism may include a pin protruding from the driver and engaging a recessed area formed in the reverse cap. 
   In an additional embodiment, a method of ratcheting a tool is provided comprising the steps of providing a tool having a bidirectional gear, an actuator and a first and second gear disc disposed on opposite sides of the bidirectional gear, axially moving the actuator to a first position so that it abuts against the first disc, disengaging the first disc from the bidirectional gear due to the actuator being oriented in the first position, biasing the second disc against the bidirectional gear so that it ratchets in a first direction and transmits torque in a second direction, axially moving the actuator to a second position so that it abuts against the second disc, disengaging the second disc from the bidirectional gear due to the actuator being oriented in the second position; and biasing the first disc against the bidirectional gear so that it ratchets in the second direction and transmits torque in the first direction. 
   In and embodiment the method may further comprise the steps of providing the actuator comprising a reverse ring having a lug and a reverse cap having a slot and for receiving the lug and rotating the reverse cap so that the lug of the reverse ring rides in the slot in order to axially move the reverse ring, corresponding to the movement of the lug, from the first position to the second position. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise the steps of providing at least a first and second detent in the reverse cap and a drive member having a pin, mounting the first, second and bidirectional gears to the drive member, mounting the reverse cap to the drive member so that the pin is received by the first detent and simultaneously the lug is oriented so that the reverse ring is in the first position and rotating the reverse cap so that the lug rides in the slot in order to move the reverse ring to the second position and the pin is received by the second detent. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings an embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of an embodiment of a ratcheting tool; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a ratcheting tool with a reverse ring in a first position; 
       FIG. 2A  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the tool of  FIG. 2  depicting the reverse ring in a middle position; 
       FIG. 2B  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the tool of  FIG. 2  depicting the reverse ring in a second position; 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a reduced, exploded, perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a reduced plan view of a cap of the tool  FIG. 2 ; and 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along line  5 — 5  in  FIG. 5 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–6 , there are illustrated embodiments of a ratcheting tool  5 . The tool  5  includes a ratchet head (drive member) or tool head  10 . In an embodiment, the tool head  10  includes a body  11  and a cylindrical collar  12 . In an embodiment, the body may be a handle or tool member. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the body  11  may include a gripping member  11   a . In an embodiment, the gripping member  11   a  may be pivotally mounted to the body  11 . A neck  11   b  and shoulder  111   c  are formed at an end of the body  111  to provide a protruding bearing structure  11   d . In an embodiment, the bearing structure  11   d  has a cylindrical shape that is received within a bore formed in the gripping member  11   a  to provide for pivoting or swivel movement of the gripping member  11   a  with respect to the body  11 . In an embodiment, the body  11  may include a fastener aperture  11   e , washer  11   f , an enclosure cap  11   g  and slide stop  11   h . In an embodiment, the slide stop  11   h  may be spring mounted within a slot formed in the bearing structure  11   d . The gripping member  11   a  may also include an end cap  11   i . However, it is to be understood that the body  11  of the head  10  may have a configuration other than depicted herein and may have other functions than depicted. 
   In another embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 2–4 , the body may have a square end  13 . The square end  13  may be received by a tool member so that the tool  5  may be mounted or attached thereto. For any embodiment, regardless of the configuration of the body  11 , the components depicted in  FIGS. 1–6  may be included in order to provide for an axial pawl ratchet mechanism of the tool  5  and such components have the same numeral designators for the embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 2–6 . The drive head  10  includes an opening  14  in communication with a bore  16 . In an embodiment, the opening  14  has a geared surface. Mounted within the bore  16  is a gear holder  18  or rod having a cylindrical shape including an aperture  19 . In an embodiment, the gear holder  18  includes a first row of outer diameter gear teeth  21  and a second row of outer diameter gear teeth  22  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ). A rod  26  including a mounting end  28  is mounted within the aperture  19  of the gear holder  18  (as shown in  FIGS. 2–4 ). The rod  26  includes a drive handle  30  and a bit holder  31  (see  FIG. 4 ). The rod  26  functions as a drive member having a bit such as a Phillips head or regular screw driver bit for turning a fastener in an embodiment, a square or hex or other shaped bit holder  31  may be provided. In an embodiment, the rod  26  may include a screwdriver blade or bit (not shown) to allow the tool  5  to work on a fastener. In an embodiment, the rod includes a chamfer  32  that corresponds to a ridge  34  of the gear holder  18  that restricts the rod  26  from being inserted too far into the aperture  19  of the gear holder. 
   In an embodiment, the rod  26  includes a retention assembly  36  mounted within a channel  38  formed within the mounting end  28  of the rod  26  ( FIG. 2 ). In an embodiment, the retention assembly  36  includes a bias member  40  such as a spring and a ball  42 . The ball  42  is received in a recessed area  44  formed within the aperture  19  of the gear holder  18 . It may be understood that upon insertion of the rod  26  within the aperture  19 , the ball  42  abuts against the ridge  34  which compresses the spring  40  and upon further insertion of the bit holder  28  of the rod  26 , the ball  42  is received in the recessed area  44  which allows for the spring  40  to decompress. In its fully-mated position, the rod  26  is retained within the aperture  19  of the gear holder  18 . Moderate force must be applied to the rod  26  in order to pull it out of the aperture  19 . Such movement of the rod  26  causes the ball  42  to abut the ridge  34  so that the spring  40  is compressed and allows the bit holder end  28  to be removed from the aperture  19 . A spacer  46  is mounted at the bottom of the bore  16  and helps to separate the end of the gear holder  18  from the bottom of the bore  16 . 
   Mounted to the gear holder  28  are a first bias structure  50 , a first gear  52 , a second gear  54  and a third gear  56  which form an axial pawl ratchet assembly and mechanism. A second bias structure  58  and a reverse ring or actuator  60  are also mounted to the gear holder  18 . In an embodiment, a retaining ring  62  may be used to retain the second gear  54  to the gear holder  18  ( FIG. 4 ). Each of these components are mounted to the gear holder  18  and are retained within the drive member opening  14  by a reverse cap  64 . In an embodiment, the reverse cap  64  may include a washer that surrounds the rod  26 . 
   In an embodiment, the first gear  52  is formed as a disc or plate including a first side  71  having axial gear teeth  72  formed thereon. The first gear  52  also includes a peripheral engagement surface such as radial gear teeth  74 . The radial gear teeth  74  are formed to be received by and correspond with the inner diameter surface, for example gear teeth formed in opening  14  of the drive member  10 . In an embodiment, the first gear  52  may have outer or peripheral engagement features having a shape, such as a hex, corresponding to a shape of an interior engagement surface of the opening  14 . 
   The second gear  54 , in an embodiment, is a bidirectional ratchet disc having a first side  81  and a second side  82 , each having axial gear teeth. The axial gear teeth on the first side  81  allow for rotation by abutting gear teeth in one direction and rotation in an opposite direction on the second side  82 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the second gear  54  is mounted to the gear holder  18 . In an embodiment, the second gear  54  is integrally formed with the gear holder  18 . For example, the gear holder  18  and second gear  54  may be molded or formed as one piece. 
   In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the second gear  54  is separated from the gear holder  78  and includes an inner engagement surface such as radial gear teeth on its inner diameter  84 . The inner diameter gear teeth  84  are shaped to correspond to the outer diameter gear teeth of the second row  22  of the gear holder  18 . In an embodiment, a lip  86  is formed adjacent to the second row gear teeth  22  so that upon mounting of the second gear  54  to the gear holder  18 , the inner diameter gear teeth  84  align with the outer diameter gear teeth  22 . Thus, the second gear  54  cannot slide any further down on the gear holder  18  because it will abut the lip  86 . 
   In an embodiment, the third gear  56  is formed identically to the first gear  52  and is a disc or plate having a first side  91  having axial gear teeth  92 . In an embodiment, the third gear  56  includes peripheral gear teeth  93  or peripheral engagement features. The axial gear teeth  92  on the first side  91  correspond to the axial gear teeth of the second side  82  of the second gear  54 . Likewise, the axial gear teeth on the first side  81  of the second gear  54  correspond with the axial gear teeth  72  on the first side  71  of the first gear  52 . The axial gear teeth of the first gear  52  are shaped in order to provide for ratcheting when abutting the first side  81  when the second gear  54  is rotated in a first direction and transmission of the torque when the second gear  54  is rotated in a second direction. Conversely, the axial gear teeth  92  of the third disc  56  are oriented so that they provide ratcheting when abutting the axial gear teeth on the second side  82  of the second gear  54  as it is rotated in the second direction and provides for transmission of torque when the second gear  54  is rotated in a first direction. The axial pawl ratchet assembly is assembled so that ratcheting occurs only when either the first gear  52  is in engagement with the second gear  54  or the third gear  56  is in engagement with the second gear  54 . The first gear  52  or third gear  56  are moved in and out of engagement with the second gear  54  via actuation by the reverse ring  60 , as will be discussed in detail below. 
   The axial pawl ratchet assembly of the tool  5  provides for transfer of torque. Rotation of the rod  26  occurs by turning the head  10  and body  11  that will cause the gear holder  18  to rotate. The rod  26  includes a contoured end, such as the square-shaped mounting end  28 , which is received in the correspondingly shaped aperture  19 . Any rotation of the gear holder  26  is transferred to the rod  25 . In an embodiment, the torque transferred through the gear holder  18  is also transferred simultaneously (with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , via the outer diameter gear teeth or engagement features  22  through the inner diameter gear teeth or engagement surface  84 ) to the second gear  54 . Thus, for example, when the ratchet assembly is oriented appropriately, as discussed below, if the body  11  and head  10  are rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the first and third gear  52 ,  56  will also rotate in a counterclockwise direction via the gear teeth  14  of the opening of the drive member  10 . Such counterclockwise motion will be transferred to the second gear  54  when it is oriented abutting the axial gear teeth  72 ,  92  of either the first or third gear  52 ,  56 , respectively. In an embodiment, the axial gear teeth  72  of the first side  71  of the first gear  52  will transfer torque in the counterclockwise direction to the axial gear teeth  81  of the second gear  54 . Upon rotation of the body  11  and head  10  in a clockwise direction, the first and third gear  52 ,  56  will also rotate clockwise. In an embodiment, when the ratchet assembly is oriented the same as above, ratcheting of the axial gear teeth  81  of the second gear  54  may occur against the axial gear teeth  72  of the first gear  52  and provide a retracting step for the tool  5 . 
   Adjustment of the reverse cap  64 , as will be explained in greater detail below, will cause the reverse ring  60  to move the first gear  52  out of engagement with the second gear  54  so that the third gear  56  is in engagement. Thus, for example, with the third gear  56  engaged, ratcheting may occur when the rod  26  is rotated counterclockwise and torque transfer may occur when the rod  26  is rotated clockwise. In an embodiment, the first row of outer diameter gear teeth  21  of the gear holder  18  may be smooth ( FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the inner diameter surface of the third gear  56  forms a smooth bore  94 . The bore  94  may either abut against the outer diameter gear teeth  21  of the gear holder  18  ( FIG. 4 ) or in an alternate embodiment a smooth outer diameter surface of the gear holder  18  ( FIG. 1 ). 
   The operation of the reverse ring  60  will now be described in more detail. The reverse ring  60  includes a first lug  101  and second lug  102 . Each lug  101 ,  102  is received in a slot  103 ,  104  of the drive member  10 . The lugs  101 ,  102  are formed so that they protrude beyond the slots  103 ,  104 . In other words, the outer diameter of the collar  12  is less than the diameter of the ring taken across the lugs  101 ,  102 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the end cap  64  includes a wall  106  which has a cam or detention slot  108  formed therein. The detention slot  108  includes an entry portion  110  formed at approximately a right angle to positioning portions  112   a, b  of the slot. The positioning portion  112   a  of the slot is ramped or angled so that upon rotation of the reverse cap  64  the lug  101   a, b, c  will ride in the slot between a first point or engagement position  121  and a second point or engagement position  122 . A middle point or engagement position  123  is also provided. In an embodiment, slots  108  and entry portions  110  are formed on two sides of the side walls  106  of the reverse cap  64 . The detention slots  108  on each side are formed correspondingly, so that each of the lugs  101 ,  102  will be moved simultaneously in a corresponding axial position in the slots  108 . Upon rotation of the reverse cap  64 , the lugs  101   a, b, c,    102  ride in the detention slots so that the reverse ring  60  is moved axially along the gear holder  18 . The axial movement of the reverse ring  60  between the first and second positions  121 ,  122  causes the reverse ring to abut against either the first gear  52  or third gear  56  in order to move one or the other of the gears  52 ,  56  out of engagement with the second gear  54 . 
   The reverse ring  60  is mounted so that it generally encircles the second gear  54 . In the middle position  123  ( FIG. 2A ), the ring is generally coplanar with the second gear  54 . Each of the first and third gears  52 ,  56  have smooth surfaces on their first sides  71 ,  91 , respectively along their outer diameter portions adjacent to where the reverse ring  60  will abut. The smooth area of the first and third gears  52 ,  56  is at the periphery adjacent the axial gear area  72 ,  92 , respectively. Thus, when the reverse cap  64  is rotated so that the lugs  101   a ,  102  and reverse ring  60  are in the first position  121 , the reverse ring  60  abuts against the first gear  52  and holds it to the right (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), so that the first gear  52  is not in engagement with the second gear  54 . While the reverse ring  60  is moved to the first engagement position (to the right), the third gear  56  is biased by the spring  58  so that it is engaging the second gear  54 . Thus, as discussed above, when the third gear  56  engages the second gear  54 , ratcheting can occur in the second direction and transfer of torque in the first direction. In an embodiment, the bias members  50 ,  58  may be any type of biasing member such as a coil spring, flat spring, Belleville washer, elastomeric material or other biasing means. 
   Upon rotation of the reverse cap  64 , the lugs  101 ,  102  will be moved from the first engagement position  121  to the second engagement position  122  by sliding the lugs up the angled positioning portion  112   a  of the detention slot  108 . As the lugs  101 ,  102  are moved along the detention slot  108  to the middle position  123  (lug  10   b ;  FIG. 6 ) and to the second position  122  (lug  101   c ;  FIG. 6 ), the reverse ring  60  is moved to the left (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) so that it engages the third gear  56  in order to move the third gear  56  out of engagement with the second gear  54  (see  FIG. 2B ). The first gear  52  will then be biased by the spring  50  in order to push it into engagement with the second gear  54 . Thus, as discussed above, when the first gear  52  engages the second gear  54  ratcheting can occur in the first direction and transfer of torque in the second direction. Therefore, it may be understood that by rotation of the reverse cap  64 , the reverse ring  60  is moved between the first position  121  ( FIG. 2 ) and the second position  122  ( FIG. 2B ) so that the ratcheting and torquing operations of the tool  5  may be reversed. 
   As well, the reverse cap  64  has a middle position  123 . When the lugs  101 ,  102  and reverse ring  60  are oriented in the middle position  123 , the ring  60  is not actuating either the first gear  52  or the third gear  56  and is generally coplanar with the second gear  54  ( FIG. 2A ). In this position, both the first gear and third gear  52 ,  56  are being biased by their springs  50 ,  56 , respectively. Thus, both the first and third gears  52 ,  56  are engaging the second gear  54  which causes the tool  50  to be in a locked position so that no ratcheting will occur. In an embodiment, the tool  5  may include markings on its outer surface to identify whether it is in the first, middle or second position. Thus, it may be understood that the reverse cap  64  and reverse ring  60 , in an embodiment, act in combination to provide an actuation mechanism to adjust the axial position of the first and third gears  52 ,  56 . 
   The additional functioning of the reverse cap  64  will be described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The reverse cap  64  includes the wall  106  forming a cylinder having a bore  130 . The bore  130  has an open end  132  and a closed end  134 . The slot  108  includes an entry portion  110  that extends between the open end  132  and the closed end  134  including the first position area  121  and the second position area  122 . The reverse cap  64  includes a hole  135  for receiving the rod therethrough. 
   The tool assembly  5  may include a pin  136  mounted to the drive member  10  (see  FIG. 4 ). The reverse cap  64  may include a recessed area  138  for receiving the head of the pin  136 . The recessed area  138  may include three detents  141 ,  142 ,  143  corresponding to the first position  121 , middle position  123  and second position  122 , respectively. Rotating of the reverse cap  64  will locate the actuator lug  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 ) in the first position or ratcheting point  121 , middle position  123  or second position or ratcheting point  122 . The pin head  136  will simultaneously be moved in alignment with the first detent  141 , middle detent  142 , or second detent  143 . The tool assembly  5  may further comprise detention lugs  146 ,  147  protruding from the collar  12  of the drive member  10  for engaging a second detention slot  150  in order to retain the reverse cap  46  to the drive member  10 . The second detention slot  150  may communicate with the entry portion  110  formed at about a right angle to the positioning portion  112   b  of the slot  108 . Upon placement of the reverse cap  64  onto the drive member  10  the detention lugs  146 ,  147  are received at the entry portion  110  so that the cap  64  is freely movable axially while the detention lug  110  is within the entry portion  110 . Simultaneously, the lugs  101 ,  102 , are also received within the entry portion  110  of the detention slot  108  adjacent positioning portion  112   a.    
   Upon rotation of the reverse cap  64 , the detention lugs  146 ,  147  may be moved to positioning portions  112   a ,  112   b . Mounting of the cap  64  onto the drive member  10  causes the pin to be captured within the recessed area  138 . The combination of the pin  136  captured by the recessed area  138  and the detention lugs  146 ,  147  received in the positioning portions  112   a ,  112   b  causes the reverse cap  64  to be retained on the drive member  10 . The pin  136  may be spring loaded within a void  152  (see  FIG. 4 ) so that upon capture of the pin  136  within the recessed area  138  the spring biases the pin  136  outward so that the head of the pin  136  may abut edges of the recessed area  138  and restrict rotation of the reverse cap  64  to an operational range equal to the length of the recessed area  138 . Thus, in an embodiment, the pin  136 , recessed area  138  and detents  141 ,  142 ,  143  comprise a first detention mechanism and lugs  101 ,  102 ,  146 ,  147  and slots  108 ,  150  comprise a second detention mechanism. In an embodiment, the first and second detention mechanisms are combined on the reverse cap  64  and tool assembly  5  in order to detain and retain the reverse cap  64  on the drive member  10  and provide for actuation of the reverse ring  60  and provide demarcations for the first, middle and second positions of the tool assembly  5 . 
   One of the detents  141  may include a hole  154  extending through the top  156  of the reverse cap  64 . When the pin head  136  is aligned with the hole  154 , a release tool may be inserted through the hole to depress the pin  136 . Depression of the pin  136  allows for rotation of the reverse cap  64  beyond the operational range so that the detention lugs  146 ,  147  may be moved to the entry portion  110  of the detention slot  108  and the reverse cap  64  may be removed from the drive member  10 . Therefore, it may be understood that while the lugs  101 ,  102 ,  146 ,  147  are actuated by the rotation of the reverse cap  64  between the first  121 , middle  123  and second positions  122 ; the actuator  60  is simultaneously adjusted axially between first position ( FIG. 2 ; lug  101   a :  FIG. 6 ), middle position ( FIG. 2A ; lug  101   b :  FIG. 6 ) and second position ( FIG. 2B ; lug  101   c :  FIG. 6 ) so that the first, second and third gears  52 ,  54 ,  56  can operate to ratchet in a first direction and transmit torque in a second direction to the drive member  10 , or ratchet in a second direction and transmit torque in the first direction to the drive member  10 . 
   In an embodiment, the tool  5  may be assembled by mounting the pin  136  into void  152  of the head  10 . The second gear  54  (if necessary) is mounted to the gear holder  18  and the reverse ring is mounted around the second gear  54 . First and third gears  52 ,  56  are mounted on both sides of the second gear  54  on the gear holder  18 . Bias structures  50 ,  58  are then mounted on both sides of the gears  52 ,  56  on the gear holder  18  to provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A spacer  46  is placed within the bore  16  of the head  10 . The axial pawl ratchet assembly is then mounted within the bore  16  of the head. In an embodiment, polarizing means may be provided in order to provide for the orienting of the gears in a particular orientation within the bore  16 . For example, one of the external gear teeth  74  of the first gear  52  may have a larger width than the rest of the gear teeth  74  and corresponds to a larger width opening of the associated gear teeth  16  of the head  10 . In an embodiment, the third gear  56  may have a similar polarizing means. If needed a washer  66  may be placed within the reverse cap  64 . The reverse cap  64  is then mounted to the head  10  in order to retain the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein. Finally, the rod  26  is inserted within the hole  135  and through the aperture  19  of the gear holder  18 . In an embodiment, assembly of the body  11  may also be necessary. For example, the gripping member  11   a  and each of its components ( 11   b–i ) may be assembled to attach it to the body  11 . Operation of the tool  5  may proceed as describe above in order to provide for torquing and ratcheting as desired. 
   While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the ratcheting tool in its broader aspects. The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.