Patent ID: 6029549
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: B25B,B25G

Abstract:
A screw-type driver that can be used for loosening and tightening threaded fasteners, the screw-type driver comprising :a handle having a non-circular shank channel and a generally transverse slot formed therein that intersects the shank channel;an elongate shank, the shank having a non-circular cross section configured to be received within the non-circular shank channel so that rotational movement of the shank relative to the handle is prevented while allowing longitudinal movement of the shank within the shank channel, the shank having at least one retaining slot formed along the shank;a shank retaining member mounted to the handle, the shank retaining member being moved between engaged and disengaged positions so that a portion of the retaining member projects into the shank channel when the retaining member is in the engaged position so that said portion engages the retaining slot to prevent longitudinal movement of the shank within the shank channel so that the shank is locked in place, and wherein said portion is disengaged from the retaining slot when the retaining member is moved to the disengaged position to allow longitudinal movement of the shank within the channel;a fastener engagement body joined to the elongate shank for engaging a threaded fastener;wherein the fastener engagement body is removably joined to the shank;wherein the handle has a race formed therein for receiving the fastener engagement body, the race being sized and configured to frictionally hold the fastener engagement body for storage therein; andwherein the handle has a race access slot that communicates between the exterior of the handle and the race;wherein the retaining member is closely received within the transverse slot so that longitudinal forces applied to the retaining member by the shank are transmitted to the handle; andwherein the retaining member includes a transverse blade pivotally mounted within the slot, the blade having an arm that projects beyond the handle exterior to facilitate movement of the blade to the disengaged position.