Abstract:
A 12-in-1 precision hand tool has five double-ended specifically sized precision tool bits stored in separate handle compartments adjacent the handle proximate end and one double-ended tool bit operably disposed at the distal end of a selectively retractably extendible shank for impeded access precision drive use. A handle cap is removably attached to the handle and has a rare earth permanent metal magnet disposed therein and operably disposed with respect to an axial opening in the cap to slidably receive and magnetically hold one selected double-headed tool bit. The removed handle cap provides a mini 12-in-1 precision drive tool. The handle has alternate flat and arcuate surfaces of about equal surface area and distally disposed contiguous tapered flat surfaces for ergonomic precision tool use.

Description:
PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/435,709 filed Nov. 8, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,711, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/168,637, filed Oct. 8, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,428, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/960,090, filed Oct. 24, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,612, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/977,453, filed Nov. 24, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,080, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/504,190, filed Feb. 15, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/690,740, filed Jul. 31, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,474. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to precision hand tools. This invention more specifically relates to multiple-in-1 precision hand drive tools, and precision tool bits therefor. This invention also relates to ergonomic handle precision drive tools. This invention also specifically relates to combination multiple-in-1 precision hand tools. 
     BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Precision hand tools or drivers are known in the art wherein the user engages the body of the tool handle with the thumb and middle finger and the index finger pressingly engages the proximate end of the handle. Fine rotational movement is achieved by the thumb and middle finger imparting a finely controlled torque movement to the handle body and in turn to the distally disposed tool bit. 
     It was known in the prior art to provide precision hand tool sets wherein the tool and interchangeable single-ended precision tool bits were stored in a case. Such prior art sets are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a prior art precision tool set  10  wherein a case  15  contained the precision hand tool  11  and a number of interchangeable single-ended precision tool bits  12 . The single-ended tool bits  12  were individually stored in case  15 , and selectively slidably operably disposed at the distal end  16  of hand tool  11 . These sets were undesirable in that the user had to carry and access the case  15  at and to the work site. The small single-ended precision tool bits when removed from the case would be readily lost or misplaced. 
     FIG. 2 depicts another prior art precision hand tool set  13 , wherein a series of precision screwdrivers  17 - 24  were stored in the case  29  with different tool bit configurations formed at the respective ends of the fixedly disposed shanks. Tool set  13  was bulky and cumbersome in use, and only a limited number of drive functions were practically available. Additionally, the user had to access the bulky case and tool set at the work site. 
     It was also known in the prior art to provide a precision hand tool wherein interchangeable precision single-ended tool bits were loosely stored in the handle. Such hand tools are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a precision hand tool  25  wherein a number of elongated single ended tool bits  26  (typical) were loosely stored in the hollow handle  27 . The user would remove end cap  28  and shake out the tool bits and then insert the desired selected tool bit in the distal end  29  of tool  25 . The FIGS. 3A and 3B hand tool was undesirable in that the small precision tool bits would be damaged in loose common storage, and it was difficult to selectively retrieve just the desired tool bit without misplacing the other tool bits. The prior art tool of FIGS. 3A and 3B also suffered the impediment of requiring a large number of single-ended bits to accomplish an equally large number of drive functions. The precision size handle could not however accommodate a sufficient number of such bits. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B depict still another prior art precision tool set  30 . Tool set  30  contains a precision hand tool  31  with a flexible shaft  32 , a sleeve  32   a  and, generally six single-ended tool bits  33  (typical). The single-ended tool bits  33  were mounted in a case  34 . Sleeve  32   a  was slidably received over flexible shaft  32  to, alternately, use the tool as a non-flexible shaft tool. Each tool bit  33  was slidably non-rotatably operably disposed in the distal end  36  of hand tool  31 . Set  30  required a case  34  for storage and the removed loose tool bits  33  would be readily lost or misplaced. 
     The prior art was generally directed to highly elongated single-ended precision tool bits. These tool bits were formed from wire blanks of exceptional length. FIG. 16 shows a typical prior art single-ended precision tool bit. It was believed that the exceptional length was required to achieve an accurately machined precision tool bit ends. These exceptional length precision tool bits militated against stowage in precision sized hand tool handles. 
     The prior art, as demonstrated in FIGS. 1-4B and  16  was directed to providing single-ended precision tool bits. The prior art, as shown in FIGS. 2-4B and  16  was instead directed to precision single-ended tool bits with exceptionally elongated body portions. 
     It was also known in the hand tool art to provide magnetic functions in the hand tool handle. This prior art construction would temporarily magnetize and demagnetize a selected tool bit end. The art desired a versatile and practical magnet and functionality in precision hand tools. 
     The art desired a practical multiple function, multiple-in-1 precision drive tool. The precision tool art also described an ergonomic precision drive tool handle. The present invention provides the solutions to the foregoing art desired needs. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the present invention is a multiple-in-1 precision hand tool. In another aspect, the present invention is a precision hand tool with a 12-in-1 drive function. The precision tool, in other preferred aspects, has a mag/demag function and a removable handle cap mini multiple-in-1 tool bit drive function. 
     In a more specific aspect, the present invention is a precision hand tool, with a removable cap disposed at the proximate end, which cap magnetically operably holds a tool bit so that the tool bit is operably disposed in the handle cap. The handle cap with the magnetically held tool bit functions as a mini fine control screwdriver. 
     In still another aspect, the present invention is a precision hand tool with double-ended or double-headed precision-sized tool bits. The precision double-ended tool bits are practically stored within elongated compartments of the precision-sized hand tool handle. 
     The precision double-ended tool bits of the present invention are specifically proportioned with each bit end and central body being of the same length, and within a practical overall minimal length. The limited overall length made it possible to store a plurality of such double-ended bits in the handle of a precision sized hand tool. The tool bits are alternatively operably received in the precision handle cap and at the distal end of the precision hand tool shank for alternate drive use. 
     In still further aspects, the present invention is a precision hand tool with ergonomic handle construction. 
     It is still a further aspect, the present invention provides a handle as aforesaid in combination with an extendible metal shank for diverse precision tool operations. The handle and hexagonal shank construction of the present invention provide for the proximate end of the shank and the internal hexagonal sleeve to provide stop means to hold the shank in the handle. The spatial arrangement and construction of the proximate end of the shank and the distal end of the handle wherein forces caused by flexure of the fully extended sleeve are distributed to prevent fracture of the handle. 
     In still further aspects, the present invention contemplates a hand tool which combines one or more of the afore-described inventive features of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of a prior art precision hand tool set in its carrying case; 
     FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the precision hand tool of the set of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a second prior art precision hand tool set in its case and with one precision hand tool removed; 
     FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of a third prior art precision hand tool; 
     FIG. 3B is an exploded side view of the precision hand tool of FIG. 3A; 
     FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of a fourth prior art precision hand tool set in its case mounted on a display card; 
     FIG. 4B is a series of side elevational views of the precision hand tool removed from the set of FIG. 4A in various non-flexed and flexed shaft modes; 
     FIG. 5 is a exploded top perspective view of the precision hand tool of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the assembled precision hand tool of FIG. 5 with the tool bit operably disposed and shank retracted; 
     FIG. 7 is of a sectional view of handle of FIG. 6 without the shank; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the precision hand tool taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the handle of the handle and a side elevational assembly view of a shank; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the proximate end of the handle of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the assembled tool of FIG. 5 with the shank fully extended; 
     FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged sectional view taken along line  13 — 13  of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the precision tool of FIG. 12 in one mode of use; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the precision tool of FIG. 12 in a second mode of use; 
     FIG. 16 is a respective side elevational and top plan view of a prior art single-ended precision tool bit; 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a prior art non-precision double-ended tool bit; 
     FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the precision double-ended tool bit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the handle cap of FIG. 5 with a tool bit being demagnetized; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the handle cap of FIG. 19 with a tool bit being magnetized; 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the handle cap of FIG. 19 showing insertion of the tool bit; and 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the handle cap of FIG. 19 with the tool bit inserted. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-15 and  18 - 22  there is shown precision hand tool  50 . Precision hand tool  50 , in general terms, includes removable handle cap  90 , transparent plastic handle or handle body  51 , hexagonal cross-sectioned metal shank  52 , shank lock nut  53 , distally disposed sleeve assembly  57  and six double-ended precision tool bits  60  (typical). The six double-ended tool bits  60  provide a 12-in-1 drive functionality. Handle  51  is of clear thermoplastic construction. Handle  51  includes a proximately disposed circular cylindrical portion  42 , a first body portion  53 , and a second body portion  54 . First body portion  53  has four equally sized flat walls  55  (typical) and four equally sized curved or arcuate walls  56 (typical). Walls  55  and  56  have about the same surface area (See FIGS.  6  and  9 ). Second body portion  54  has eight distally tapered flat walls  57 (typical) and eight corners  58 (typical). Each second portion wall  57  is contiguous with one of the first portion walls  55  or  56  as at common recess  74 . First and second body portions  53  and  54  are formed with a central axially disposed cylindrical hole  61 , and distal end of body portion  54  is formed with central hexagonal hole  161  for purposes hereinafter appearing. First body portion  53  is formed with four radially disposed walls  62 , and central cylindrical wall  63  which in turn forms four wedge shaped recesses or compartments  65  having distal end walls  66 . Each compartment  65  slidably receives or stows a respective double-ended tool bit  60 . 
     First body portion  53  and second body portion  54  provide an ergonomic handle construction, wherein the user can selectively in diverse combinations grip the flat walls  55 , arcuate walls  56  tapered walls  57  for best desired comfort and control. By way of example, with the shank fully extended, the user may want particularly fine control. The walls  55 ,  56 , and  57  provide diverse ergonomic grip arrangements for diverse fine precision drive operations. Two such grip examples are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. 
     A metal pocket clip  70  has a cylindrical holder portion  71  which is slidably received on the outer cylindrical surface of handle proximate portion  42  Pocket clip  70  includes pocket engaging portion  72 , which extends distally to wherein clip end  73  is disposed adjacent corner recess  74 . 
     Shank  52  is slidably disposed in proximately disposed central axially disposed cylindrical hole  61  and distally disposed hexagonal hole  161 , whereby shank  52  can be slidably extended for precision drive use in impeded access operations such as electronics equipment. Lock nut assembly  153  locks the extended shank  52  in the extended desired position. Referring specifically to FIGS. 10-13, there is shown certain details of tool  50  with regard to the lower or distal body portion  54  and the proximate end  152  of shank  52 . Shank proximate end  152  is formed with a transverse groove  253  and oppositely disposed ears  155 . Ears  155  frictionally engage the corners of hexagonal hole  161  and thereby functions as a stop to retain the shank  52  within the plastic handle body. Sleeve portion  161  is formed with a vertically disposed slot  162  having an enlarged rounded stress relief blind edge  163 . In molding the handle, shank  52  is slidably received in the distal end hole  61  of handle  51 , when the thermoplastic body is just molded and readily thermoplastically deformable. The shank  52  is then moved distally to cover the ears  155  to gouge the thermoplastically deformable walls of hexagonal recess of sleeve  161  and in doing so form a stop. In operation, shank  52  slides freely through central cylindrical hole  61 , until the ears  155  engage the corners of hole  161 . That is, shank end  152  engages the proximate end hexagonal sleeve portion  161  to stop further movement. When shank  52  is fully extended, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, shank ears  155  frictionally engage two corner walls of hexagonal sleeve portion  161  and exert radial forces on the plastic sleeve. Slot  162  and slot end  163  relieve the radial force stress to avoid fractures in the plastic handle. In this manner of construction, frictionally engaged shank  52  is prevented from sliding out the distal end  156  of handle  51 . Lock nut  153  screw engages the distal end  165  of handle  51  so that with the fastening of lock nut  153 , shank  52  is fixed in its extended position. The shank distal end  152  portion disposed hexagonal sleeve end portion  161  spatial arrangement and construction distribute the bending forces caused by extended shank flexure thereby presenting plastic handle fracture. 
     Sleeve assembly  57  includes a distal hexagonal recess  75  for slidably non-rotatably operably receiving a tool bit  60 . Sleeve assembly  57  is also formed with a proximately disposed hexagonal recess  76  for fixedly non-rotatably receiving the distal end  77  of hexagonal shank  52 . Sleeve assembly  57  is also formed with a lock collar and ball retainer assembly  78  for holding tool bit  60  in place in sleeve recess  75 . With tool bit  60  removed, sleeve assembly hexagonal end recess  76  serves as a precision nut driver. 
     Handle cap  90  is formed with a proximately disposed slight depression or recessed surface  91  for receiving the end of the user&#39;s index finger. Cap  90  has a fustro-conical body  92 . Handle cap  90  has a cylindrical distal end portion  93  formed with a circumferential groove  191  for receiving a snap-on O-ring. Cap distal portion  93  is slidably received in the proximate end recess  66  of handle  51 , and removably held therein by the O-ring in handle body circumferential groove. Attached cap  90  swivels in handle body recess  66 . Cap  90  covers the four tool bits  60  stowed in the elongated arcuate handle compartments  65 . 
     Handle cap  90  is formed with a transversely disposed cross-hole  97 , and an axially disposed cylindrical recess  98  which communicates with cross-hole  97 . A cylindrical or pill shaped rare earth permanent magnet  100  is secured in recess  88  by known means, for purposes hereinafter appearing. Cap  90  is also formed with a distal end stepped recess  101  for non-rotatably receiving metal insert  102 . Insert  102  is formed with a hexagonal inner bore  103  which is sized to slidably receive the body  60   a  of double-ended precision tool bit  60  typical. Handle cap and metal insert hexagonal bore  103  function as a mini nut drive tool with cap  90  detached from the handle body and with tool bit removed. With tool bit  60  disposed in bore  103 , one tool bit end  60   b  contactingly engages magnet  100  and the other tool bit end  60   b  is operably disposed, as best shown in FIGS. 14-17. Magnet  100  magnetically holds tool bit  60  in cap  90 . Distally disposed tool bit end  60   b  is magnetized to magnetically hold a fastener such as a screw (not shown). In this manner of construction, handle removed cap  90  with tool bit  60  magnetically held functions as a mini precision screwdriver. Of course, any one of the six tool bits can be selectively magnetically held and operably disposed in removed handle cap  90 . 
     Cap cross-hole  97  is sized to slidably receive a selected tool bit  60  so that tool bit  60  is magnetized by magnet  100  (FIG.  20 ). The magnetized tool bit can then be mounted in distal recess  75  whereat the operably disposed magnetized tool bit end can hold a screw or like ferro-metallic drive element (not shown). A further feature of the present tool is that by striking a magnetized tool bit across cap proximate shallow recessed surface  91 , the tool bit becomes demagnetized (FIG.  19 ). 
     Magnet  100  is a rare earth magnet as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,229, U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,497, U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,717 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,718, which patent disclosures are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Magnet  100  has an energy product of at least about 6.0×10 6  gauss-oersteds, and preferably at least about 7.0×10 6  gauss-oersteds. 
     Referring to FIGS. 16-18 there is shown, respectively, side and top views of a typical prior art precision tool bit  80  (FIG.  16 ), a side elevational view of a typical prior art non-precision double-ended tool bit  85  (FIG.  17 ), and the double-ended precision tool bit  60  of the present invention (FIG.  13 ). FIGS. 11-13 are shown in accurate proportional scale for size and configuration comparisons. Tool bit  80  is generally formed of cylindrical wire stock and includes an elongated body portion  80   a  and an elongated single bit end  80   b  and proximate end ears  80   c  for locking the bit in the tool (not shown in FIG. 11, but generally shown in FIGS.  4 A and  4 B). It was generally believed and the direction of the prior art that only a single bit could be accurately minimal for a precision tool, as generally shown in FIGS. 1-4B. Referring now to FIG. 12, conventional double-end tool bit  85  has a body portion  85   a  and a first bit end  85   b  and second bit end  85   c.  Tool bit end lengths x were generally at least about ½ inch or 17 mm, with the distance across the body flats being generally at least about ¼ inch or 8.5 mm. The art was directed to a tool bit length of at least about 17 mm for an accurately mechanical hex bar stock of about 8.5 mm in construction. The precision tool bit  60  of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 18, has a body portion of regular hexagonal cross-section with a width of no more than about 4 mm across the flat sides of the regular hexagon, and a body length y of no more than about 8-10 mm, with a tool bit  60   b  integrally formed at respective opposite ends of the body portion. Each tool bit  60   b  length z is no more than about ⅜ inch or about 8-10 mm. That is, the present invention has found that it is practical to production machine bar stock of 4 mm and produce precision bit ends having bit end lengths of 8-10 mm and a body length of 8-10 mm, or an overall length of 24-30 mm. The aforedescribed tool bit and the handle construction provides a practical multiple-in-1 precision tool. Tool bit ends  60   b  maybe of different drive sizes and/or configurations. It is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide different drive configurations such as flat blade screwdriver, Phillips, and TORX configurations, by way of example. 
     In the aforesaid manner of construction, the user in one mode of use, grasps the handle body with the thumb and middle fingers and places the end of the index finger in the proximate end recess of the handle cap for fine precision use, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Handle cap swivels within handle body proximate recess to further contribute to fine control precision grip use. 
     There is provided by the present invention a versatile multiple-in-1 pocket precision drive tool, namely a 12-in-1 pocket precision drive tool and a 12-in-1 stubby or mini handle cap precision drive tool. The present tool provides mag/demag functionality as well as multiple nut drive functionality. This most versatile multiple use construction is readily and practically stowed and within a shirt pocket. The clear plastic construction of the first handle body portion permits the user to identify the desired stowed precision tool bit. 
     Although the present invention has been described in some detail by the way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will of course be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the form, details and arrangements of the elements and parts without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the adjoined claims.