Patent Publication Number: US-2022234176-A1

Title: Ratchet tool with improved pawl

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/588,490, filed Sep. 30, 2019. All disclosure and subject matter, including all figures, of the &#39;490 application are specifically incorporated by reference in this application as if set forth fully herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an improved pawl for use in a ratchet tool. Such mechanisms are used in hand tools including ratchet wrenches and torque wrenches. 
     It may be desirable to reduce the size and weight of a ratchet tool while improving manufacturability and the functionality of the ratchet tool. The ratchet tool relies on the mechanical engagement of pawl teeth of a pawl with gear teeth of a ratchet gear. If the mechanical engagement is compromised, for example by a misalignment of the pawl teeth with the gear teeth, the ratchet tool may slip when torque is applied. Such slippage may result in a wear-down and reduced life of the pawl and/or ratchet gear. Thus, preventing misalignment of the pawl teeth with the gear teeth may result in improved life of the pawl and/or ratchet gear. 
     Improving manufacturability may be achieved by reducing the total number of parts and processes required to manufacture the ratchet tool head. Such improved manufacturability may allow a tool to be sold at a lower price, making it more desirable. A reduction of the number of parts in a tool may further reduce the size and weight of the tool. Reducing the size and weight of a ratchet tool head may make a tool more desirable as it may allow for easier operability and extended use without fatigue. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to have a smaller and reduced weight ratchet tool that has improved functionality and manufacturability. 
     SUMMARY 
     A ratchet tool having an improved pawl is disclosed, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims 
     Specifically, disclosed is an example ratchet tool that may include a head that may include a front side including a first cavity including a lower surface. The first cavity may be adapted to receive a cover plate. The ratchet tool may also include a rear side including a second cavity. The second cavity may be in communication with the first cavity such that an aperture extends between the first cavity and the second cavity. The ratchet tool may further include a ratchet gear disposed in the first cavity. The ratchet gear may include a plurality of gear teeth. The ratchet tool may additionally include a pawl disposed in the first cavity. The pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth configured to mechanically engage in a vertical alignment with the plurality of gear teeth of the ratchet gear. The pawl may be movable between a first position in which the pawl is configured to transmit torque through the ratchet gear in a first rotational direction, and a second position in which the pawl is configured to transmit torque through the ratchet gear in a second, opposite rotational direction. The example ratchet tool may also a selector switch disposed in the second cavity. The selector switch may be configured to move the pawl between the first position and the second position. Finally, the ratchet tool may include a retaining clip configured to retain the selector switch in at least the second cavity. The retaining clip may extend into the first cavity. The pawl may include a first extended portion and a second extended portion extending from a lower end of the pawl. In such an example, at least a portion of the retaining clip may be disposed between the first extended portion and the second extended portion. The first extended portion and the second extended portion may contact the lower surface of the first cavity. Additionally, an upper end of the pawl may contact the cover plate. 
     In one example, the pawl of the example ratchet tool may include a plurality of pawl teeth that may extend onto the first extended portion and the second extended portion. In another example, the plurality of pawl teeth may extend from the upper end of the pawl to respective lower ends of the first extended portion and second extended portion. In an additional example, the pawl of the example ratchet tool may further include a notch including first depth in a lower portion of the notch and a second depth in an upper portion of the notch. In such an example, the first depth may be greater than the second depth. The pawl of the example ratchet tool may also include a limiting portion disposed between the lower portion of the notch and the upper portion of the notch. Further, the lower portion of the notch may be configured to engage with a spring-loaded pusher extending from a driver portion of the selector switch. Finally, the limiting portion may prevent the spring-loaded pusher from springing out of the lower portion of the notch. 
     In one example, the contact between the first extended portion and the second extended portion with the lower surface of the first cavity, and the contact between the upper end of the pawl with the cover plate, may maintain the vertical alignment between the pawl teeth and the gear teeth of the ratchet gear. In another example, the ratchet tool includes a layer of grease between the first extended portion and the second extended portion and the lower surface of the first cavity, and between the upper end of the pawl and the cover plate. 
     Also disclosed is an example ratchet tool that may include a head that may include a front side including a first cavity including a lower surface. The first cavity may be adapted to receive a cover plate. The ratchet tool may also include a rear side including a second cavity. The second cavity may be in communication with the first cavity such that an aperture extends between the first cavity and the second cavity. The ratchet tool may further include a ratchet gear disposed in the first cavity. The ratchet gear may include a plurality of gear teeth. The ratchet tool may additionally include a pawl disposed in the first cavity. The pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth configured to mechanically engage in a vertical alignment with the plurality of gear teeth of the ratchet gear. The pawl may be movable between a first position in which the pawl is configured to transmit torque through the ratchet gear in a first rotational direction, and a second position in which the pawl is configured to transmit torque through the ratchet gear in a second, opposite rotational direction. The example ratchet tool may also a selector switch disposed in the second cavity. The selector switch maybe configured to move the pawl between the first position and the second position. Finally, the ratchet tool may include a retaining clip configured to retain the selector switch in at least the second cavity. The retaining clip may extend into the first cavity. The pawl may include a recessed portion on a lower end. In such an example, at least a portion of the retaining clip may extend into the recessed portion of the pawl. The lower end of the pawl may contact the lower surface of the first cavity. Additionally, an upper end of the pawl may contact the cover plate. 
     In one example, the pawl of the example ratchet tool may include a plurality of pawl teeth that extend from the upper end of the pawl to the lower end of the pawl. In another example, the contact between the lower end of the pawl with the lower surface of the first cavity and the upper end of the pawl with the cover plate, may maintain the vertical alignment between the pawl teeth and the gear teeth of the ratchet gear. In a further example, the ratchet tool may include a layer of grease between the lower end of the pawl and the lower surface of the first cavity, and between the upper end of the pawl and the cover plate. 
     Also disclosed is an example pawl for a ratchet tool. The pawl may include an upper end, a lower end, a front end, and a rear end. The pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth positioned on the front end of the pawl that are configured to mechanically engage in a vertical alignment with a plurality of gear teeth of a ratchet gear. The pawl may also include a first extended portion and a second extended portion extending from the lower end of the pawl, and at least a portion of a retaining clip of a selector switch is disposed between the first extended portion and the second extended portion such that the first extended portion and the second extended portion contact a lower surface of a ratchet tool head cavity. Additionally, the upper end of the pawl may contact a ratchet tool cover plate. 
     In one example, the pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth that may extend onto the first extended portion and the second extended portion. In another example, the plurality of pawl teeth may extend from the upper end of the pawl to respective lower ends of the first extended portion and second extended portion. In an additional example, the pawl may include a notch including first depth in a lower portion of the notch and a second depth in an upper portion of the notch. In such an example, the first depth may be greater than the second depth. The example pawl may also include a limiting portion disposed between the lower portion of the notch and the upper portion of the notch. The lower portion of the notch may be configured to engage with a spring-loaded pusher extending from a driver portion of the selector switch. The limiting portion may prevent the spring-loaded pusher from springing out of the lower portion of the notch. In one example, the contact between the first extended portion and the second extended portion with the lower surface of the ratchet tool head cavity, and the contact between the upper end of the pawl with the ratchet tool cover plate, may maintain the vertical alignment between the pawl teeth and the gear teeth of the ratchet gear. 
     Also disclosed is another example pawl for a ratchet tool. The pawl may include an upper end, a lower end, a front end, and a rear end. The pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth positioned on the front end of the pawl that are configured to mechanically engage in a vertical alignment with a plurality of gear teeth of a ratchet gear. The pawl may include a recessed portion on the lower end of the pawl, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is configured to receive at least a portion of a retaining clip of a selector switch such that the lower end of the pawl contacts a lower surface of a ratchet tool head cavity. Additionally, the upper end of the pawl may contact a ratchet tool cover plate. 
     In one example, the pawl may include a plurality of pawl teeth that extend from the upper end of the pawl to the lower end of the pawl. In another example, the contact between the lower end of the pawl with the lower surface of the ratchet tool head cavity, and the contact between the upper end of the pawl with the ratchet tool cover plate, may maintain the vertical alignment between the pawl teeth and the gear teeth of the ratchet gear. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a head of a ratchet tool, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an enlarged top plan view of an assembled ratchet head, showing the pawl in a first position, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged top plan view of an assembled ratchet head, showing the pawl in a second position, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembled ratchet head, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged cross-section view of an assembled ratchet head, showing an exemplary prior art pawl. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top perspective view of a cavity in a ratchet tool, showing a pawl and retaining clip, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top perspective view of a cavity in a ratchet tool, showing driver portion of a selector switch, spring-loaded pusher, and retaining clip, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom-front perspective view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom-rear perspective view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front elevation view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a rear elevation view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side elevation view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top plan view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a bottom plan view of a pawl, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom-front perspective view of an exemplary prior art pawl. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom-rear perspective view of an exemplary prior art pawl. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Parts Listing 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                  1 
                 Ratchet tool 
               
               
                   
                  1′ 
                 Prior art ratchet tool 
               
               
                   
                  2 
                 Handle 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 Head 
               
               
                   
                 10a 
                 Front side of head 
               
               
                   
                 10b 
                 Rear side of head 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 First cavity 
               
               
                   
                 11a 
                 Drive cavity 
               
               
                   
                 11b 
                 Pawl cavity 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 Second cavity 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 Lower surface of pawl cavity 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 Sidewall of pawl cavity 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 Circular recess 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 Aperture between first cavity and second cavity 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 Cover place recess 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 Cover plate screw apertures 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 Pawl 
               
               
                   
                 20′ 
                 Prior art pawl 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 Pawl teeth 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 Extended portion 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 Recessed portion 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 Notch 
               
               
                   
                 24a 
                 Upper portion of the notch 
               
               
                   
                 24b 
                 Lower portion of the notch 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 Limiting portion 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Selector Switch 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 Lever portion 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 Retaining clip aperture 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 Retaining clip 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Driver portion 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 Pusher 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 Pusher aperture 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 Spring 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Ratchet Gear 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 Gear teeth 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Cylindrical body portion 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 Circumferential surface 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 Extended drive post 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 Bearing portion 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 Cover plate 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 Screw apertures 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 Circular bore 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of an example ratchet tool  1 . Specifically, shown is a single pawl ratchet wrench that allows a user to selectively determine a torque direction. The ratchet tool  1  may include a handle  2  that integrates with a head  10 . The head  10  may have a front side  10   a  and a rear side  10   b . In one embodiment, the head  10  may include a first cavity  11  and a second cavity  12  for receiving internal and external components of the ratchet tool  1  for providing torque to a working piece (not shown) such as a socket or other tool or a fastener. For example, such components may include a pawl  20 , selector switch  30 , ratchet gear  40 , and cover plate  50 . 
     The first cavity  11  may be generally positioned on the front side  10   a  of the head  10  and include several portions for receiving and retaining the components therein. For example, first cavity  11  may include a generally large circular drive cavity  11   a , for receiving the ratchet gear  40 . The drive cavity  11   a  may further include a circular recess  15  for receiving a bearing portion  45  of the ratchet gear  40 . The first cavity  11  may also include a pawl cavity  11   b  for receiving the pawl  20 . The pawl cavity  11   b  may include a lower surface  13 . The pawl cavity  11   b  may be slightly more recessed than the drive cavity  11   a.    
     The pawl  20  may include pawl teeth  21  located on a front end of the pawl  20 . In one embodiment the pawl  20  may have first and second extended portions  22  extending from a lower end of the pawl  20 . A recessed portion  23  may be generally located between the first and second extended portions  22 . In another embodiment, the recessed portion  23  may be cut directly into a lower end of the pawl  20 . The pawl may include a notch  24  on a rear end of the pawl  20 . 
     The ratchet gear  40  may have a generally cylindrical body portion  42  having gear teeth  41  (i.e., ratchet gearing) positioned on a circumferential surface  43 . The ratchet gear  40  may also have an extended drive post  44 . In one embodiment the extended drive post  44  is a drive square. The ratchet gear  40  may further include a bearing portion  45  to permit rotation of the ratchet gear  40  and assist in centering and retaining the ratchet gear  40  within the drive cavity  11   a . As will be discussed in more detail below, the pawl teeth  21  engage with the gear teeth  41  to transfer torque the ratchet gear  40 . 
     A second cavity  12  may be generally positioned on the rear side  10   b  of the head  10 . The second cavity  12  may receive and retain the selector switch  30 . The second cavity  12  may at least partially overlap with the first cavity  11  such that an aperture  16  extends between the first cavity  11  and second cavity  12 . The aperture  16  may allow communication between the first cavity  11  and second cavity  12 . In one embodiment, a driver portion  34  of the selector switch  30  may extend at least partially through the aperture  16  into the first cavity  11 . The selector switch  30  may be retained in the second cavity  11  and head  10  by a retaining clip  33 . The retaining clip  33  may be disposed in a retaining clip aperture  32  located on the driver portion  34 . When installed, the retaining clip  33  may overlap with the lower surface  13  of the first cavity  11  thereby preventing the selector switch  30  from falling out of the second cavity  12 . The selector switch  30  may also include a pusher aperture  36  for receiving a spring  37  and pusher  35 . The spring  37  may bias the pusher  35  outward from the pusher aperture  36 . The spring loaded pusher  35  may engage with the pawl  20 . Specifically, the spring-loaded pusher  35  may be biased outward by the spring  37  to engage with the notch  24  of the pawl  20 . 
     Once the ratchet tool  1  is assembled, a cover plate  50  may be secured to a cover plate recess  17  of the ratchet head  10  to cover the first cavity  11 . The cover plate  50  may be secured by screws  52  that thread into screw apertures  18  positioned in the cover plate recess  17  of the ratchet head  10 . The cover plate may include a circular bore  53  through which the extend drive post  44  projects for operative engagement with a working piece. 
     As may be evident from the example ratchet head  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the present disclosure contemplates a stacked packaging of components. Further, the example ratchet head  1  may be manufactured using fewer components and using simpler manufacturing methods. For example, rather than use a complex means of retention the selector switch  30  is retained in the head  10  by a retention clip  33  that stacks with the pawl  20  to save vertical space. Further, the first cavity  11  and second cavity  12  may formed from relatively simple milling processes, thereby simplifying manufacture and reducing cost. 
     As is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pawl  20  may slide to either side of the pawl cavity  11   b  laterally with respect to the ratchet gear  40  between a first position and a second position in which the pawl is wedged between a sidewall  14  of the first cavity  11  (specifically, pawl cavity  11   b ) and the ratchet gear  40 . For example, in  FIG. 2  the pawl  20  is positioned in a first position in which the pawl  20  transmits torque through the ratchet gear  40  in a first rotational direction. Conversely, in  FIG. 3  the pawl  20  is positioned in a second position in which the pawl  20  transmits torque through the ratchet gear  40  in a second, opposite rotational direction. 
     Specifically, as is shown for example in  FIG. 2 , in the first position, the selector switch  30  is rotated to its most clockwise position, and the pawl  20  is wedged between the ratchet gear  40  and a sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b  in a first position. The spring  37  may push the pusher  35  forward so that the pusher  35  engages with the notch  24 , and thereby biases the pawl  20  to the first wedged position. In such an example, if torque is applied to the handle  2  in clockwise direction when a socket on the extension drive post  43  engages a work piece, the sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b  pushes pawl teeth  21  of the pawl  20  against opposing gear teeth  41  of the ratchet gear  40 . In such an embodiment, the pawl  20  remains wedged between the ratchet gear  40  and the sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b , and the force applied from an operator&#39;s hand to the pawl  20  is therefore applied in the clockwise direction to the work piece through the ratchet gear  40 . 
     Likewise, as is shown for example in  FIG. 3 , in the second position, the selector switch  30  is rotated to its most counter-clockwise position, and the pawl  20  is wedged between the ratchet gear  40  and an opposing sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b  in a second position. The spring  37  may push the pusher  35  forward so that the pusher  35  engages with the notch  24 , and thereby biases the pawl  20  to the second wedged position. In such an example, if torque is applied to the handle  2  in counter-clockwise direction when a socket on the extension drive post  43  engages a work piece, the sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b  pushes pawl teeth  21  of the pawl  20  against opposing gear teeth  41  of the ratchet gear  40 . In such an embodiment, the pawl  20  remains wedged between the ratchet gear  40  and the sidewall  14  of the pawl cavity  11   b , and the force applied from an operator&#39;s hand to the pawl  20  is therefore applied in the counter-clockwise direction to the work piece through the ratchet gear  40 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an example cross section of the ratchet tool  1  showing the mechanical engagement of the pawl  20  with the ratchet gear  40 , selector switch  30 , and cover plate  50 . Specifically, as discussed above, the spring-loaded pusher  35  biases the pawl  20  towards the ratchet gear  40 . In one embodiment, the pusher  33  engages with notch  24 . In such an embodiment, a limiting portion  25  may prevent the pusher  35  from springing out of notch  24 . Further, as can be seen, the pawl teeth  21  are mechanically engaged in a vertical alignment with the gear teeth  41 . A lower end of the pawl  20  (via extended portions  22 ) contacts the lower surface  13 , and an upper end of the pawl  20  contacts the cover plate  50 . As utilized herein, the term “contact” means direct contact between the two components, indirect contact in which a layer of lubricant or grease is disposed between the two components, or contact such that movement is prevented in the direction of the contact. As a result, of the contact between the lower portion of the pawl  20  with the lower surface  13  and the upper portion of the pawl  20  with the cover plate  50 , the pawl  20  is substantially prevented from moving or shifting in a vertical direction in the pawl cavity  11   b . Likewise, the pawl is unable to rotated about the retaining clip  33  disposed between the extended portions  22  in the recessed portion  23 . As a result, the mechanical engagement between the pawl teeth  21  and gear teeth  41  is improved. Such improved mechanical engagement may contribute to less slippage during operation, and increased life of the pawl  20  and ratchet gear  40 . Finally, as will be appreciated, the stacking of components such as the retention clip  33  and pawl  20 , allows for a smaller more lightweight ratchet head  10  that improves the mechanical engagement between the pawl  20  and ratchet gear  40 . 
     In contrast,  FIG. 5  shows the example prior art ratchet tool  1 ′ using a traditional “floating” pawl  20 ′. The traditional pawl is not vertically restricted by a cover plate  50  and lower surface  13  of the pawl cavity  11   b . As a result, the traditional pawl  20 ′ is able to shift vertically within the pawl cavity  11   b  bringing it out of vertical alignment with the ratchet gear  40 . Additionally, because the traditional pawl  20 ′ is not restricted in the pawl cavity  11   b , it is able to rock and or rotate about the retaining clip  33 . Such rotation may result in a partial alignment of the pawl  20 ′ with the ratchet gear  40  leading to slippage, and reduced life, of the pawl  20 ′ and ratchet gear  40 . Finally, the traditional pawl  20 ′ does not have a limiting portion on the notch  24 . As a result the pusher  35  may spring out of engagement with the notch  24  of the pawl  20 ′. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are example perspective views of the ratchet head  10  looking into the first cavity  11 , showing the preferred stacked packaging of components contemplated by the present disclosure. In both  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the ratchet gear  40  has been removed for clarity of illustration. For example,  FIG. 6  shows the pawl  20  positioned on the lower surface  13  and against the sidewall  14  of the first cavity  11  (specifically, pawl cavity  11   b ). The pawl  20  is substantially the same height as the pawl cavity  11   b . Disposed in and extending through the recess  23  (positioned between first and second extended portions  22 ) is the retaining clip  33 . In such an embodiment, the pawl can move laterally to either the first position or second position, as described above, and not move vertically and/or rotate about the retention clip  33 . 
       FIG. 7 , shows an example ratchet head  10  further with the pawl  20  removed for clarity of illustration. Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows an example aperture  16  extending between first cavity  11  and second cavity  12 .  FIG. 7  also shows an example selector switch  30  in a neutral position with a partially exploded pusher  35  and spring  37 . As is shown, the example retention clip  33  extends beyond the selector switch  30  and second cavity  12  to overlap with the first cavity  11  and lower surface  13 . Such overlap retains the selector switch  30  in the second cavity  12  and the ratchet head  10 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  are examples of the stacked packaging of components that allow for a smaller, more light-weight ratchet. 
       FIGS. 8-14  depict various views of an example improved ratchet pawl  20 . The pawl  20  may be made of any suitable material including metal, ceramic, polymer, etc. For example, the pawl  20  may be machined from a single piece of metal. In one embodiment, the pawl may have an upper end, a lower end, a front end, and a rear end. The pawl  20  may be either a fine tooth pawl or a course tooth pawl. The pawl  20  may include pawl teeth  21 , at least one extended portion  22 , a recessed portion  23 , and notch  24 . 
     The pawl may have pawl teeth  21  positioned on the front end of the pawl  20 . The pawl teeth  21  may be formed to mechanically engage with ratchet teeth  41 . The pawl teeth  21  may cover the entire front end of the pawl  20  extending from the upper end of the pawl  20  to the lower end of the pawl  20 . The pawl teeth  21  may extend onto the at least one extended portions  22 . Thus, in such an embodiment the pawl teeth  21  span across a single continuous surface (i.e., front end of the pawl  20 ), including the front surface of the one or more extended portions  22 . Such a configuration is advantageous because the total meshed area of the pawl teeth  21  is maximized yielding higher strength. Thus, by providing pawl teeth  21  on the entire height of the pawl  20 , the interaction length (moment arm) is longer and there will be less stress on the pawl  20  during operation. The longer length of the pawl teeth  20  extending onto the extended portions  22  may also cause the pawl teeth  21  to align with higher accuracy. 
     In one embodiment, the pawl  20  includes first and second extended portions  22 . Greater or fewer number of extended portions  22  are possible. The pawl  20  may further include a recessed portion  23  positioned generally between the first and second extended portions  22 . The height of the recessed portion  23  may be configured to be at least slightly greater than the height of a retaining clip  33 . In such an embodiment, if the pawl  20  were positioned on a flat surface, for example lower surface  13 , such that the first and second extended portions  22  contact the surface, a retention clip  33  could slide without interference in and out of recess portion  23 . 
     As was discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 , the extended portion(s)  22  may stabilize the pawl  20  inside the first cavity  11  (specifically, the pawl cavity  11   b ) at the head of the ratchet. The extended portion(s)  22  stabilize the pawl  20  by increasing the overall height of the pawl  20  to substantially the same height as the pawl cavity  11   b . Such a close alignment of the pawl height with the height of the pawl cavity  11   b  may help prevent vertical movement and/or rotation of the pawl  20  in the pawl cavity  11   b . As a result, the pawl  20  is unable to rotate within the pawl cavity  11   b.    
     By stabilizing the pawl  20 , the pawl  20  only engages with the ratchet gear  40  when the pawl  20  is completely positioned in either the first position or the second position as described above, yielding longer life. Additionally, the stabilization of the pawl  20  may cause the pawl teeth  21  and the gear teeth  41  to be consistently and properly vertically aligned so that both sets of teeth mesh fully. Such a vertical alignment prevents both the pawl teeth  21  and the gear teeth  41  from being damaged and/or rounded off. 
     By contrast, a prior art pawl  20 ′ as pictured in  FIGS. 5, 15, and 16 , does not have substantially the same height as a pawl cavity  11   b . As a result, the prior art pawls  20 ′ are able to shift vertically and/or rotate about the retaining clip  33  within the pawl cavity  11   b . Such vertical shifting and/or rotation may result in a misalignment of the pawl teeth with the gear teeth. Additionally, if the pawl  20 ′ is not fully positioned in a first or second position, as described above, the pawl  20 ′ may partially mechanically engage with the ratchet gear  40 . Such partial engagement may result in slippage and/or wear on the pawl teeth and/or gear teeth. Additionally, the overall yield strength may be reduced in a pawl  20 ′ that is not seated properly. 
     While, the pawl depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16  could be envisioned in a pawl cavity not containing a retaining clip  33 , such that a bottom end of the prior art pawl  20 ′ contacts a lower surface of the pawl cavity and an upper surface of the prior art pawl  20 ′ contacts a cover plate (not shown), such an embodiment would not enable the space and weight saving stacked packaging of the ratchet tool head contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, in such an embodiment the selector switch would require additional components and manufacturing processes to be retained within the ratchet head. Such additional components and processes would result in a less desirable heavier and bulkier ratchet. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8-14 , the pawl  20  may also include a notch  24  positioned on a rear end of the pawl  20 . The notch  24  may include an upper portion  24   a  and lower portion  24   b , as is shown for example in  FIG. 9 . The upper portion  24   a  of the notch  24  may include a first depth and the lower portion  24   b  may include a second depth. In one embodiment the second depth is greater than the first depth. In such an embodiment a limiting portion  25  spans between the lower portion  24   b  and the upper portion  24   a . The limiting portion  25  may prevent the spring-loaded pusher  35  from springing out of the lower portion  24   b  of the notch  24  ensuring that the pusher  35  stays engaged with correct part (i.e., lower portion  24   b  of notch  24 ) of the pawl  20 . The added material in the thicker upper portion  24  may contribute to increased pawl strength. In contrast, the example prior art pawls  20 ′ depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16  have a single depth notch. As a result, a pusher could spring out of the notch and cause a failure of the ratchet. 
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.