Hand-held multiple object implement

Details Hand-held multiple object implement Hand-held multiple object implement

1991-10-17

1993-07-20

Smith, James G.

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Having work engaging and force exerting portion inserted...

81490, 811774, B25B 2300

Patent

active

052283631

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to hand held implements incorporating multiple objects, and more particularly to screwdrivers with interchangeable bits which are captured within the screwdriver.


BACKGROUND ART

Examples of known prior art hand held multiple object implements are disclosed in Applicant's corresponding issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,552,043; 4,552,044; 4,463,788; 4,716,795 and 4,716,796. These patents teach the use of a hand held implement comprising a handle with a central longitudinal axis, a selector cup rotatably mounted at an end of the handle to rotate about the central axis and a plurality of objects (e.g. bits) provided peripherally of the handle in a generally cylindrical pattern about the handle axis. Each bit is of hexagonal cross-section and oriented in the handle to extend essentially parallel to the handle axis. A chuck is provided at the end of the handle where the chuck is aligned with the handle axis for receiving a bit end and securing it against rotation. An elongate slot extends from a central portion of the cup end and radially outwardly to the location of the bits in the handle. The cup is rotatable to position the slot in register with any desired bit in the handle. The slot in the cup has walls sufficiently spaced apart to permit outward withdrawal through the slot of a bit shaft from the handle in a direction generally parallel with the handle axis. Means is provided for retaining the selected tool bit in the cup. The bit end is movable along the slot towards the cup centre into alignment with the chuck for insertion of the bit end in the chuck. The handle has a plurality of channels for receiving a corresponding plurality of bits. Each of the channels has means for cooperating with the respective bit to maintain a predetermined alignment of the bit within the handle as the bit is withdrawn therefrom.


DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, each bit is of generally circular cross-section having a hexagonal bit head portion adapted to engage with corresponding hexagonal wall portions of the aforementioned channels.
Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention the aforementioned means provided for retaining the selected tool bit in the cup comprises a locking unit rotatably mounted within an end of the cup. The locking unit has a slot formed therein corresponding to the shape and size of the slot in the cup end. The unit is provided with a generally U-shaped internal sleeve extending through the cup and toward the chuck. The internal sleeve is provided with hexagonal faces adapted to receive the bit head and engage the corresponding hexagonal faces of the bit head for guiding the head toward the chuck.
As discussed, the locking unit is rotatable such that upon insertion of the bit head into the chuck, the unit and internal sleeve forming part thereof may be rotated relative to the stationary hexagonal chuck such that the hexagonal faces of the internal sleeve are offset from the corresponding faces of the bit head. As a result, the respective hexagonal faces of the internal sleeve and bit head are no longer in alignment such that portions of the hexagonal bit head which overlap respective faces of the internal sleeve function to prevent removal of the bit head from the chuck when the implement is in use.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand held multiple object implement in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the implement in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the implement in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the implement in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the implement of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the implement in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are end views of the cup, locking unit and internal sleeve viewed along the lines 7--7 in FIG. 6, in open and locked positions respectively;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are left a

REFERENCES:
patent: 1579498 (1926-04-01), Anderson
patent: 4463788 (1984-08-01), Corona et al.
patent: 4552043 (1985-11-01), Corona et al.
patent: 4552044 (1985-11-01), Corona et al.
patent: 4762036 (1988-08-01), Orlitzky et al.

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