Multiple bit driver

Details Multiple bit driver Multiple bit driver

2000-08-10

2001-12-11

Meislin, D. S. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Handle or shank

C081S490000, C081S438000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06327942

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to a hand tool, and in particular to a driver having multiple bit storage in the handle.
Screwdrivers are driving tools useful for tightening and loosening threaded screw type fasteners. The screwdriver generally consists of a handle portion for maintaining a grip, and an integral shank that extends axially from one end of the handle. At the end of the shank distal to the handle, is a formed tip designed to engage the head of a screw or like fastener. However, screw type fasteners are available with many head configurations, such that a user may require several different screwdrivers to fulfill all of his or her fastening needs. This increases overall cost and storage space requirements for owning such tools. Also, workers may be in confined areas, or awkward workplaces, where it may be difficult to maintain or switch between a number of differently configured screwdrivers.
A known type of screwdriver incorporates a socket at the end of the shank which is capable of receiving driving bits with different tip configurations. This allows the same handle and shank to service many different screw and fastener types. However, the driving bits are often small, and susceptible to being misplaced or lost. One solution to this problem is to provide storage for unused bits in the tool itself, for example, a hollowed out portion of the handle. While the handle portion does provide a suitable location for storing unused bits, such tools are often difficult or inconvenient to use. For example, it is sometimes difficult to see or select the desired bit. Further, bits stored in some handles are loose and rattle around inside the tool, or alternatively, are difficult to remove from their storage compartment. Further, some storage compartments detract from the ergonomics of handle design or can weaken the handle. Still other handle storage compartments are difficult to access, open, or secure closed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of previously known multi-bit screwdrivers wherein a driving tool is provided with bit storage in the handle. The handle portion comprises a generally cylindrical driver body, that is aligned along a common longitudinal axis with the shaft. The handle is comprised generally of a driver body and a bit cap. The bit cap is provided with a plurality of apertures which align with chambers in the driver body for storing driving bits. To lock the bits into place, and to facilitate the selection of bits from their respective storage chambers, a bit gate is provided between the heel of the driver body and the bit cap. The bit gate includes a bit selector nob which is rotatable to unlock the desired bit storage chamber.
In one embodiment, the driver body includes a plurality of bit channels arrayed circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the body, with each of the plurality of bit channels open at the second, or heel end. A bit cap having a plurality of through apertures aligned with the plurality of bit channels, is positioned over the driver body, covering at least the second end of the driver body. Further, a bit gate for selectively blocking alignment of the plurality of bit channels with the plurality of through apertures is juxtaposed with the heel, or second end of the driver body, and is circumscribed by the bit cap. The bit gate includes a bit selector, for example a knob, accessible through a bit selector access port on the bit cap, and a disk portion capable of interfering with the plurality of bit channels at their respective opening on the second end of the driver body. Preferably, a plurality of bits are insertable, one each into any one of the plurality of bit channels. To facilitate easy selection of bits stored in the handle portion of the tool, the tips of each of the bits stored in the tool are viewable through the driver body.
To facilitate viewing the driving bit tips, the bit cap contains a plurality of tip portals aligned such that the tips of each of the stored bits are viewable through the bit cap. The tip portals can be either integral with, or separate from, the through apertures for providing ingress and egress for the bits. Further, where driving bits are utilized which incorporate a unique tip configuration on each end of the shaft of the bit, tip viewing portals can be included along the driver body to expose a portion of the bit channel proximate the nose end of the tool.
Optionally, to ensure positive engagement of the bit cap with the driver body, the body includes a plurality of splines which protrude from its surface. The bit cap further comprises a plurality of spline channels for receiving the splines. The splines may be positioned anywhere along the surface of the driver body so long as sufficient strength is achieved. For example, where the bit channels are outwardly open, the splines can be interleaved between the bit channels.


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