Patent Publication Number: US-2010126315-A1

Title: Multiple bit unit

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to bits for hand held tools such as drills and screwdrivers. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Hand tools such as drills and screwdrivers that utilize a variety of bits of different sizes and functionality that fit into the chuck or holding element of the tool, typically require separate storage for containing the bits. Often the bits are carried in a case separate from the tool itself. When switching between different bits, the user has to take one bit out of the tool, place it in the case, and look for another bit which he desires to use. This process is inconvenient, and provides opportunity for misplacement of the bits, especially bits of smaller sizes. Additionally, it distracts from smoothly completing a task that requires the use of a variety of different bits or the use of different drill and screw driver tools. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a multiple bit device for an automatic drill or screwdriver which includes a plurality of bits of different size and/or functionality, in one compact unit. The multiple bit unit provides a convenient and handy arrangement of bits which allows the user to easily switch to different bit sizes. Additionally, since all of the bits are in one unit, misplacement is less likely, as is the case with single bit units. According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a combination of drill and screw driver bits which allows a user to conveniently handle a job requiring both the use of a drill and screw driver. Additionally, the device optionally includes at least one extender unit which fits over any one of the bits in the multiple bit unit, and supports an additional bit piece. Also, the tool could be used without a driver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a multiple bit device in accordance with the present invention and a tool into which the device is inserted. 
         FIG. 2  perspective view of the multiple bit device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multiple bit device including drill and screw driver heads. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an extender for the multiple bit device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and/or operating the exemplary embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different exemplary methods are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention, and within the scope and judgment of the skilled person. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates a multiple bit device  100  for an automatic drill or screwdriver. The device  100  includes four bit pieces  101 ,  103 ,  105 , and  107  with corresponding heads  102 ,  104 ,  106 , and  108 , in one compact unit. The bit pieces are symmetrically spaced (i.e. 90° apart) forming a cross configuration, as shown in the figures. The device  100  is roughly about  4  inches in diameter, as measured from tip to tip of opposing bit pieces. The bit pieces preferably include bases  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 , which radially extend from a center cross point  118 . Each base, or at least a section thereof, preferably has a hexagonal configuration for sliding into a chuck or hexagonal holding element in a standard drill or screwdriver. This provides a frictional hold on the base of one piece, to prevent rotation of the device with respect to the tool, while the head of the opposite piece is used. Each bit piece should be dimensioned to enable the base to insert into the holding element or chuck  121  of the device  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Though the specific dimensions depend on the size and configuration of the tool, for most standard tools, the length from the tip of the bit head to the base should be roughly between ¼ and 1½ inches. Although a hexagonal base is preferred as it is suitable for most standard tools, it should be understood that the device of the present invention is not limited to standard tools. Therefore, any other polygonal configuration of the base is possible (e.g. octagonal, pentagonal, etc.), as long as it conforms to the holding element of the tool, and provides for a frictional hold of the device. Other methods of holding the device in place within the tool may be apparent to one skilled in the art. 
     Though the device is illustrated in the figures as including two Philips® and two flat head screwdriver heads of different sizes, the device may include any combination of different bit heads which may be drill and/or screw driver heads of various sizes and/or functionality (e.g. Twist, Spade, Spur, Torx, etc.). According to a preferred embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , the device  100  combines drill  302  and screw driver heads  304  in one unit, which provide convenience to a user in completing a job requiring drilling and the use of a screw driver. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an extender  400  for the device  100  which fits over any one of the bit pieces. The extender provides additional bit heads for additional functionality and compactness. The extender includes a bit head  402 , which, like the bit heads of the device  100 , may be of any size and functionality, and a hexagonal hollow sleeve base  404  which fits over any one of the hexagonal bases  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 , to provide a frictional hold which prevents rotation and slippage of the extender with respect to the tool while in use. 
     The device  100  may include a multiple number of extenders for each of the bit pieces  101 ,  103 ,  105 , and  107 . However, it is preferable to leave at least one, and more preferably two bit pieces exposed, which would allow for all of the extenders to be held on the device, while one of the bit heads is used. Additionally, the device may include a kit comprising any number of extender pieces that can be interchanged. 
     Additionally, although the device  100  is illustrated as including four bit pieces, it may practically include any number of bit pieces. Preferably each piece has an opposite radially extending counter piece, forming opposite radial pairs, such that when the base of one piece it held in the too, the bit head of the opposite piece is in parallel alignment with the tool and ready for use. Additionally, although a symmetrical configuration is preferred, it is not necessary. 
     In closing, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the description is illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.