Abstract:
A bit-storing tool handle is provided that includes a surface of the handle defining a channel adapted to retain the bit, and a fulcrum point contained within the channel for rotating the retained bit out of the channel. The bit-storing tool handle may alternatively include a plurality of channels adapted to retain the bits such that the longitudinal axis of the retained bits are co-linear to the longitudinal axis of the handle and a fulcrum point within each of the channels that promotes the manual rotation of each of the bits about a cooperating fulcrum point so that upon such rotation, the bits extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the handle. The channels include an opening dimensioned and configured to allow the finger of a person to insert under a first end of the bit thereby facilitating the removal of the bit from the channel when an excessive amount of force is required to pivot the bit due to cold weather or similar conditions. The opening provides an alternative to the fulcrum point for the removal of the bit from the channel.

Description:
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/396,714 filed on Sep. 15, 1999 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of tools and tool bits and more specifically, the present invention relates to the field of hand-held tools and machines that store interchangeable tool bits. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Many tools and machines allow for the use of tool bits that are releasably secured by a socket or a chuck at the tip of a shank. Many different types of tool bits also are presently available for use with such tools and machines. Typically, and just within a few minutes, a worker may require more than one such tool bit. A bit swap may have to be done quickly and while the worker is perched in a precarious position. Changing bits not only causes inconvenience but also safety problems for both the worker and bystanders. Difficulty in changing bits, losing bits while they are changed, or bits falling out from where they are stored all present safety hazards as these occurrences distract workers and may cause them to make sudden movements and loose their balance. Also, the lost bit may strike a bystander or a piece of equipment. 
     For hand tools, a convenient arrangement for bit storage is one where the bits are stored on the tool. An ideal design is one that minimizes tool manufacturing costs, time required for bit replacement, the likelihood that tool or bits will be dropped as bits are changed, and the maneuvers a worker has to undertake. Such a design enhances both safety and efficiency. All of the above considerations apply to hand-driven tools and even electrically- or compressed air-driven tools which are now used ever more widely but whose greater weight makes it even more imperative that bit interchange and storage be made as effortless as possible. 
     Examples of prior designs for the storage of tool bits in hand tools include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,405,749; 3,667,518; 3,683,984; 3,753,455; 4,235,269; 4,273,173; 4,278,119; 4,327,790; 4,372,361; 4,372,362; 4,434,828; 4,440,048; 4,452,289; 4,463,788; 4,552,043; 4,552,044; 4,572,038; 4,716,795; 4,735,120; 4,793,222; 4,827,812; 4,841,597; 4,901,607; 4,924,733; 5,174,178; 5,265,504; 5,325,745; 5,335,409; 5,460,063; 5,499,562; 5,517,885; 5,522,291; 5,613,413; 5,881,615; D358,316; and D373,297. These patents present a myriad of different approaches to the problem of tool bit storage, but three general approaches can be discerned. 
     Many patented designs feature storage compartments that are located at the heel of the handle. This is the case in U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,178 where a worker must open a hinged door to access tool bits, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,413 where one must unscrew a cap to accomplish same. In any event, storage in the heel of the handle requires flipping the tool back and forth when interchanging tool bits as the worker (1) removes the bit from the tip of the shank, (2) reaches to the back of the handle for replacement bit, (3) stores away the tool bit no longer desired, and (4) reaches back to the tip of the of the shank to install the new bit at the tip. These designs limit the versatility of the tool in that shorter tool bits would be recessed too far into their compartments for one to be able to remove them and longer bits cannot be stored at all. Moreover, bit storage at the heel of the handle stymies power driving inasmuch as it limits the amount of space available for internal electrical componentry or for coupling with a rotating chuck. 
     Also, there are designs where the bits are stored in the handle near to and parallel to the shaft, but with their tips protruding from the handle. See e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,289. This arrangement has two distinct disadvantages: with the tips so exposed one may scratch oneself and others as well as neighboring objects and, again, the exposed tips of the tool bits may attract electrical arcing near the workman&#39;s hand that cause him to drop the tool or damage the battery or the motor of an electrically-driven tool. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,119 discloses a hand tool with a storage member coaxial with the shaft wherein tool bits are completely stored in a spring-biased storage member. This design has several disadvantages. First, one is limited to using only tool bits that are short enough to fit in the storage member cavities. Also, this design adds unnecessarily to the length of the device. 
     Other designs feature tool bits stored in grooves inscribed in the hand-gripped cylindrical surface of the handle and held in place by various attachment means. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,518 the bits are retained in the grooves by an elastic O-ring stretched around the circumference of the handle. This design has the disadvantage that in order to remove one tool bit from its recess an additional step is required whereby a bit retaining O-ring first must be rolled out of the way. Further, once the O-ring is moved, the potential now exists for the other bits to fall out of their grooves. 
     Most recently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,615 awarded to Dahl and Elvebak discloses a handle with tool bits stored in grooves comprised therein and where the tool bits are held in place by means of sliding panels. However, a bit has the potential of falling out of its groove if, inadvertently, one fails to slide the panel so that it covers the bit, or if, because of wear and tear, the panel slides out of position, thereby exposing the bit. 
     Also, none of the prior art devices offers an unhindered full length view of stored bits. This is crucial, particularly in light of increased popularity of double-headed bits. 
     There is a need in the art for a tool or machine wherein tool bits are stored by means that would accommodate a wide variety of tool bits, minimize the manual steps required to interchange and store tool bits, and limit the likelihood of the bits falling out from the storage means. For hand tools, a convenient arrangement for bit storage is where the bits are stored on the tool&#39;s handle. The most successful design would minimize manufacturing costs at the same time as it minimizes the effort required for bit replacement. All of the above considerations apply to hand-driven tools and power tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a tool or machine that comprises storage for tool bits and that overcomes the disadvantages in the prior art. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that allows rapid tool bits storage. A feature of the present invention is that the bits snap into place in handle comprised grooves. An advantage of the present invention is that secure storage may be effected by means of a single finger movement. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi functional handle for a tool. A feature of the present invention is that tips of tool bits are removably received by grooves in the handle. An advantage of the present invention is that bits of different lengths and serving different functions can be used in conjunction with the present invention. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows for quick interchange of tool bits. A feature of the present invention is that the bits are fully visible from their storage location and that the bases of the bits are located in a region on a tool whence they are easily removable. An advantage of the present invention is that it allows easy access to the bits, quick identification of the bit to be used, and one-handed operation for bit removal and bit replacement at their storage location. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an economical and sturdy tool handle that allows storage of tool bits. A feature of the present invention is that the handle may be integrally molded from a single widely available material. A further feature of the present invention is that the handle comprises no moving parts. An advantage of the present invention is that it can be manufactured at low cost and that it has a very long useful life. 
     In brief, an economical and sturdy device for storing bits is provided comprising a tool handle wherein a plurality of bits snap into grooves where they are easily identified and whence they can be quickly removed. 
     Specifically, the invention provides for a bit-storing handle comprising a surface of the handle defining a channel adapted to retain the bit; a fulcrum point within the channel; and a means for rotating the bit about said fulcrum point. 
     The invention also provides for a tool for storing bits, comprising: a handle; a surface of the handle defining a plurality of channels adapted to retain the bits such that the longitudinal axis of the retained bits are co-linear to the longitudinal axis of the handle; a fulcrum point within each of the channels; and a means for rotating each of the bits about each fulcrum point so that upon rotation, the bits extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the handle for their removal from the handle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will best be understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand tool in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tool bit-holding handle, taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of the tool bit-holding handle, but with a bit retained therein, taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG. 2; and 
     FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the tool bit-holding handle, with a bit extending therefrom, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3C is a side sectional view of the tool bit-holding handle, with a bit extending therefrom in accordance with an alternative method for the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the tool bit-holding handle, but with a bit-holder retained therein, taken along lines  5 — 5  of FIG.  4 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides storage for tool bits in a tool handle. The tool bits are held in grooves or channels comprised in the handle. These grooves comprise resilient material such that the bits can be inserted by snapping the tools into the grooves and then held in place by friction and/or the resiliency of the material. Also, means are provided allowing quick removal of the bits from the grooves. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the proposed invention is schematically depicted in conjunction with a manually driven tool generally designated as numeral  10 . The tool comprises a handle  14 , a shank  18  having one end  19  embedded in the handle, and a second end  20  of the shank adapted to receive a tool bit  26  via a bit retention means  22 . While the retention means  22  is not part of the instant invention, suffice it to say that any retention means is suitable for holding a complementary-shaped bit. Exemplary retention means includes, but are not limited to, a ball-detent configuration, a chuck, a ratchet screwdriver head, and a male-female socket configuration. 
     Co-linear with the longitudinal axis a of the handle  14  is a means for retaining bits  26 . The retaining means  28  are slotted regions extending along the longitudinal axis α of the handle. The bits generally are of a dual-headed, cylindrical configuration, with diameters ranging from between 1.5 to 13 mm. (or {fraction (1/16)} to ½ in). 
     FIG. 2 provides detail for an exemplary bit retaining means. As depicted in FIG. 2, the bit retaining means includes a longitudinally-extending channel  30  adapted to receive a bit (not shown). Walls  36  of the channel extend inwardly in a radial direction and terminate in a channel floor  31 . Opposing edges  32  of the channel  30  define inwardly directed reversibly deformable protrusions  34  adapted to frictionally engage a bit in a snap-fit interaction resulting in the channels receiving and retaining the bits. The protrusions exist substantially along the edges  32  of the channel  30 . 
     The retaining means  28  further provides a means for removing a bit situated in the channel. The removing means includes a region  38  of the floor  31  forming a depression, wherein the depression is inwardly directed and adapted to receive a finger extending therein. 
     FIG. 3A is a side view of the channel, taken along line  3 - 3  of FIG.  2 . As depicted therein, when a bit  26  is retained in the channel, the depression  38  and the bit  26  define a space  40 . FIG. 3B depicts the space being utilized upon the application of digital pressure  42  to a proximal portion of the bit so as to facilitate rotatably positioning the bit  26  along a fulcrum point  42  for easy bit removal. The fulcrum point  42  is defined at a point of medial, inward deviation of the channel floor  31 , whereby the deviation is toward the longitudinal axis of the handle. To facilitate access to the bit, the opposing edges  32  of one end of the channel  30  diverge laterally to define an opening  29 . The opening  29  is adapted to receive a human finger or some other means for applying pressure to the nested bit and in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit so as to cause the bit to rotate about the fulcrum point  42  and outwardly as depicted in  3 B. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3 A,  3 B and  3 C, the use of pressure to rotate the tool bit  26  about the fulcrum point  42  as detailed above can be difficult in cold weather because the material used to fabricate the handle  14  will have a tendency to become “stiffer” thereby generating a stronger hold upon the bit  26  when the bit is forcibly positioned in the storage channel  30 . An alternative to rotating the bit  26  about a fulcrum point in the channel  30 , is to lift the bit  26  from the channel with the finger of the user. FIG. 3C depicts the position of the bit  26  after being lifted by the user&#39;s finger. 
     Cold weather access to the bit  26  is promoted by dimensioning and configuring the opening  29  to allow the finger of an user wearing gloves to be positioned between a first end  70  of the bit  26  and the storage channel walls  36 . Positioning the finger adjacent to a side portion  72  of the first end  70 , allows the user to slide the first end  70  out of the channel  30 . However, removal of the first end  70  of the bit  26  from the channel  30  may still be difficult. To further facilitate removal of the first end  70  of the bit  26  from the channel  30 , the space  40  beneath the first end  70  is dimensioned and configured to allow the glove covered finger of the user to be positioned between the first end  70  of the bit  26  and the depressed region  38  of the channel  30 . 
     The channel floor  31  engages a relatively large portion of the bit  26  thereby limiting the insertion depth of the bit  26 . The surface area of the depressed region  38 , and the distance between the first end  70  of the bit  26  and the depressed region  38 , configures the space  40  beneath a smaller portion of the bit  26 . Thus, the channel floor  31  and the depressed region  38  cooperate to maintain a “finger space” under the bit  26  to position the user&#39;s finger against a bottom portion  74  of the first end  70  of the bit  26 . Positioning the finger adjacent to the bottom portion  74  of the first end  70  of the bit  26 , allows the finger to pull the first end  70  from the channel  30  by directing the removal force generated by the finger radially outward from the channel  30 . 
     Thus, the “dual depth” channel  30  formed by the channel floor  31  and the depressed region  38 , provides two methods of removing the tool bit  26  from the channel  30  of the tool handle  14 . A first method allows a bit  26  to be removed from the channel  30  relatively quickly when a “downward” force is impressed upon the first end  70  of the bit  26 . The downward force causes the bit  26  to pivot or rotate upon a fulcrum point  42  thereby elevating a second end  78  of the bit  26  from the channel  30 . This method allows the bit  26  to be removed quickly from the channel  30 , but requires a relatively large downward force from the user&#39;s finger due to the close proximity of the finger to the fulcrum point  42 . The required downward force may be especially great in cold weather. 
     A second method allows a bit  26  to be removed from the channel  30  when the user&#39;s finger provides an “upward” force against the bottom portion  74  of the first end  70  of the inserted bit  26  thereby removing the first end  70  instead of the second end  78  of the bit  26 . The second method is relatively slower than the first method due to the time required to position the finger into the space  40  and under the first end  70  of the bit  26 . However, a relatively minimal amount of force is required from the user&#39;s finger to remove the first end  70  and ultimately the entire bit  26  from the channel  30 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, the openings  29  and the corresponding space  40  therein may be dimensioned and configured as detailed above to allow a plurality of bits  26  to be stored in one channel  30 . To provide better retention of the multiple bits  26  including relatively “short” or “thin” bits  26 , opposing wall projections  76  are located on the channel walls  36  to sufficiently grasp portions of each bit  26  placed in the channel  30  to maintain the position of the bits  26  irrespective of the orientation of the handle  14 . 
     While a plurality of different sized and diameter bits can be utilized and stored by the bit retaining means, a preferred configuration is shown in  3 B wherein the depth d of the channel  30  is such that the surface of a bit does not protrude above the opening of the channel. Stated another way, the longitudinally extending surface of the bit should not remain intermediate the opposing lips of the channel. Otherwise, discomfort during manual operation of the handle could result. Also, a countersunk bit minimizes the possibility of snagging of a bit on clothing and other structures, and possible dislodging of the bit. 
     As depicted in FIG. 1, a plurality of channels can be integrally molded to the handle, and circumferentially arranged about the handle. 
     As depicted in FIG. 4, which is modification of FIG. 1, the bit-retaining channels can be of different lengths so that the same tool handle may be used for bits serving widely different functions or manufactured by different manufacturers. The handle  10  is shown to comprise a short channel  44 , a channel of intermediate length  47 , and a long channel  50 . Specifically, one or more channels may be made of such length as to accommodate commercially available four-in-one bit-holders. This is depicted in FIG. 5 which is a modification of FIG. 3A, as it shows a side view of channel  50  wherein a four-in-one bit-holder  54  has been placed. The bit-holder  54  typically comprises a hexagonal cross-sectional sleeve  58  designed to slidably accommodate two complementary shaped dual head bits  60  and  61 . The sleeve  58 , and the bits  60  and  61  each may be provided with a ball-detent mechanism  64 , the later of which is to prevent the bit from sliding longitudinally when fitted at the end of the tool shaft  18 . Similarly, the sleeve  58  may also define a ball-detent  65  so as to prevent its longitudinal sliding after same is slidably received into the bit end  20  of the shaft. 
     A variant of the arrangement depicted in FIG. 5 is where a plurality of bits or bit-holders are nested in the channel  50 . In such scenarios, a plurality of the finger access openings  29  also are provided, as illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     The opposing lips  34  of the channel are in integrally molded with the handle. A myriad of materials can be utilized to form the handle. A salient feature of the material is that it be reversibly deformable so as to facilitate the friction fit of the bit in the channel. As such, rigid, semi-rigid, or even pliable material can be utilized for handle material, just as long as the handle can be utilized to impart rotational force to the bit end  20  of the shaft. Indeed, a portion of the handle defining the channels  30  can be removably attached to either the shaft  18  or to another portion of the tool affixed to the shaft. 
     As noted above, a salient feature of the invention is the provision for simultaneously viewing the entire bit without first manipulating the holding means. This provision is particularly advantageous when dealing with two-headed bits, each bit having a different configuration. 
     While the invention has been described in the foregoing with reference to details of the illustrated embodiment, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, while FIG. 1 depicts the invention in use with a screw-driver type tool, other tool handles also can be so modified. As such, handles attached to a saw blade, a gimlet, a drill, a rachet tool, or other similar devices can be configured to the invented bit-retaining configuration.