Patent Publication Number: US-2010108552-A1

Title: apparatus for facilitating an in use connection of an accessory and a drill

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to drills and accessories for use with drills, in particular, power drills. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing power drills usually have an adjustable chuck comprised of three jaws for gripping an accessory such as a drill bit. The chuck jaws are adjustable to suit drill bits of various sizes, and in some cases such adjustment is carried out by use of a key. In other cases, it is carried out by manually twisting an outer sleeve of the chuck or alternatively the user grips the outer sleeve to apply a resistance force to the outer sleeve while the drill is activated so as to rotate the jaws relative to the sleeve and thereby tighten the jaws around the drill bit. Other arrangements incorporating an automatic chuck adjustment system have an adjustment mode in which activation of the drill in forward and reverse directions causes adjustment of the chuck and an in use mode in which activation of the drill in forward and reverse directions does not cause adjustment of the chuck. 
     When connecting an accessory such as a drill bit to the chuck of a power drill it is necessary to align the axis of the drill bit and the axis of rotation of the chuck. This is so that when the chuck is tightened around the drill bit and the drill is activated the drill bit will rotate about a stationary axis and will be effective for drilling. If the axis of the drill bit is not aligned with the axis of rotation of the chuck then when the drill is activated the axis of the drill bit will not be stationary, rather it will rotate about the axis of rotation of the chuck and the drill bit will not be entirely effective for drilling. 
     Previously it has been necessary to align the axis of a drill bit and the axis of rotation of a drill chuck by hand and eye. This process typically involves placing the drill bit by hand in a position in which the user estimates that the axes of the drill bit and the chuck are aligned. Then the user tightens the chuck jaws around the drill bit using any suitable means. Frequently the user inaccurately aligns the axes in which case the chuck jaws must be loosened, the drill bit readjusted and the chuck jaws tightened again. It is not uncommon for this process to be repeated several times before the user is satisfied that the axes of the drill bit and the chuck are aligned. 
     The process discussed above relates to facilitating an in use connection of a drill and an accessory such as a drill bit. When such an accessory is removed from such connection with a drill it is advantageous for the drill bit to be storable in a convenient and efficient manner. Existing means of storing or holding such accessories include relatively simple sleeves, cases or various packaging with a facility for holding the accessory. When a user wishes to store or connect an accessory to a drill for use the accessory must be inserted and removed from the holding facility by hand. 
     Accessories other than drill bits may also be connected to a drill for use therewith. One such accessory includes a drill guide which can ensure that a hole created by the drill has a predetermined depth. Another accessory includes a light that enables accurate drilling in low light conditions. Such accessories are typically connected to a drill by hand or are built into the drill for use therewith. Alignment of accessories such as drill guides and lights, when connected to a drill, is not as important as it is for drill bits. What is important is that such accessories can be conveniently stored and connected to a drill for use therewith. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It would be advantageous to provide an improvement over existing means for connecting accessories to drills such as those set out above. It would also be advantageous to provide an improvement over existing means for holding such accessories when not in use. 
     The present invention offers at least some of the above mentioned improvements in the form of an apparatus for facilitating an in use connection of an accessory and a drill, the apparatus including: 
     an accessory holder for holding the accessory; and 
     a drill engaging means that engages the drill for positioning the accessory holder relative to the drill whereby the accessory held by the accessory holder is positioned for in use connection to the drill. 
     In one form, the drill engaging means engages the drill for positioning the accessory holder in a predetermined orientation relative to the drill. In a particularly preferred form, the accessory holder is a drill bit holder configured for holding a drill bit having an axis and the drill engaging means engages the drill for positioning the accessory holder relative to a rotatable chuck of the drill whereby the drill bit held by the drill bit holder is positioned with the axis of the drill bit in alignment with an axis of rotation of the chuck. 
     In another form of the invention the drill engaging means engages a housing of the drill. Preferably, the drill engaging means engages a nose portion of the drill. 
     In a form of the invention, the accessory holder has an axis and the drill engaging means is disposed radially to the axis of the accessory holder. Preferably, the accessory holder has an opening for receiving the accessory and the drill engaging means includes projections disposed around the opening of the accessory holder. The apparatus may also have two opposing ends and the accessory holder may have the opening at either end of the apparatus. 
     Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of radially positioned accessory holders and alternate accessory holders have their openings at each of the ends of the apparatus. More preferably, the apparatus further includes an accessory retaining member for preventing unwanted removal of the accessory from the accessory holder. 
     In a preferred form, the drill engaging means engages the drill adjacent to a jaw of a rotatable chuck of the drill. Preferably, the drill engaging means engages an extension of the drill housing that extends around the chuck. Furthermore, the drill engaging means may include projections or recesses that are receivable by projections or recesses associated with the drill and the apparatus may include an end face with the projections upstanding therefrom. 
     In another preferred form, the apparatus includes a means for sharpening the accessory when the accessory is moved relative to the accessory holder. Yet more preferably, the means for cleaning the accessory cleans the accessory when the accessory is received by or removed from the accessory holder. A preferred form of the means for cleaning the accessory includes bristles disposed adjacent to the opening of the accessory holder. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes a drill suitable for use with embodiments of the apparatus set out above, wherein the drill is engageable by the drill engaging means of the apparatus for positioning the accessory holder relative to the drill whereby the accessory held by the accessory holder is positioned for in use connection to the drill. 
     Preferably, the drill has a housing that is engageable by the drill engaging means at a portion of the housing located adjacent to a rotatable chuck of the drill. The portion of the housing located adjacent to the rotatable chuck of the drill may be an extension of the drill housing that surrounds the chuck. The extension of the drill housing that surrounds the chuck may also include projections or recesses for receiving projections or recesses associated with the drill engaging means. In a preferred form, the projections or recesses of the extension of the drill housing are disposed on a surface of the extension facing the chuck. 
     In another form, the portion of the housing located adjacent to the chuck of the drill includes a means for connection with an accessory for use with the drill. In one form, the means for connection with an accessory for use with the drill is a threaded surface for connection with a threaded surface of an accessory. The accessory may be selected from a group including but not limited to a leveling accessory, a lighting accessory, an alignment accessory, a metal detecting accessory and a plunge control accessory. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in detail with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate a preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. It should be appreciated, however, that the generality of the preceding portion of the specification is not to be superseded by the specifics of the following description. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with a preferred form of the invention, the apparatus including a housing containing a plurality of accessory holders and accessories, in the form of drill bits, held therein, a drill engaging means and an accessory retaining member in a position enabling access to the drill bits. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a side view of a hand held power drill prior to engagement of the drill engaging means and the drill, the side section view of the apparatus showing an accessory holder holding an accessory in the form of a drill bit. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a side view of the drill of  FIG. 3  with the drill engaging means of the apparatus in engagement with the drill for positioning an accessory holder relative to the drill whereby the drill bit is positioned for in use connection to the drill. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a side view of the drill of  FIG. 3  after connection of the drill bit to the drill and partial withdrawal of the drill bit from the accessory holder resulting from disengagement of the drill engaging means and the drill. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a side section view of the drill of  FIG. 3  with the drill engaging means of the apparatus in engagement with the drill for positioning an accessory holder relative to the drill whereby the drill bit is positioned for in use connection to the drill. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a plurality of accessory holders of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention wherein the housing has been removed and one of the accessory holders, a drill engaging means and an accessory retaining member are disassembled. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the accessory holders of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a cross section of the accessory holders of  FIG. 8  taken along the plane X-X. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a portion Z of one of the accessory holders of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 6  there is shown an apparatus  10  for facilitating an in use connection of an accessory in the form of a drill bit  20  and a drill  100 . The apparatus  10  has a generally cylindrically shaped housing  15  having two end surfaces  12 ,  14  that are spaced apart and connected by a cylindrically shaped wall  16 . However, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus  10  can have any desirable shape or overall configuration, be it a cube, a rectangular prism or the like. The spaced apart end surfaces  12 ,  14  and cylindrical wall  16  define an internal space  18  of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  further includes an accessory holder  30  for holding the drill bit  20  or other form of accessory. The accessory holder  30  includes a passage  34  defined by a cylindrical wall  33  extending from an opening  32  in an end face  14 ,  12  of the apparatus  10  and into the internal space  18  of the apparatus  10 . The passage  34  may have any suitable shape or configuration depending on the nature of the accessory  20  to be held therein. In the embodiment illustrated the accessory  20  is a drill bit which has a generally cylindrical form and as such a generally cylindrical passage  34  is suitable. However, an irregular shaped passage  34  may be suitable for drill bits of certain kinds or for holding other accessories for connection to the drill  100  such as a drill guide, a lighting device or the like. The drill bit  20  is locatable in the accessory holder  30  such that a portion of the shank of the drill bit  20  protrudes from the opening  32 . The accessory holder  30  may also include a sharpening element that is operable for sharpening the drill bit  20  or other accessory when moved relative to the accessory holder  30  such as during insertion and removal from the accessory holder  30 . The sharpening element may alternatively be located elsewhere on the apparatus  10 , and is not limited to being located in the accessory holder  30 . 
     The apparatus  10  further includes an accessory retaining device in the form of a cup shaped lid  5  pivotally attached via a hinge  4  to the cylindrically shaped wall  16  adjacent to each of the end faces  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10 . The lid  5  also includes a latch mechanism  2 ,  3  for retaining the lid in a closed position in which the lid  5  encloses the end faces  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  and the shanks of the drill bits  20  protruding from he respective end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus enclosed by the lid  5 . Thus, in the closed position the lid  5  prevents unwanted removal of the drill bit  20  or other accessory from the accessory holder  30 . 
     The apparatus  10  includes a plurality of accessory holders  30  located radially as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the openings  32  of each accessory holder  30  are also located radially on the end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10 . While a plurality of accessory holders  30  have their openings  32  on one face  12 ,  14  another plurality of the accessory holders  30  have their openings  32  on the other one of the end faces  12 ,  14 . The accessory holders  30  are located and configured such that successive accessory holders  30  have their opening  32  at opposite end faces  12 ,  14 . This may ensure that around each opening  32  on an end face  12 ,  14  there is sufficient room for the location of a drill engaging means  40 . 
     The drill engaging means  40 , as is best shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a plurality of projections  42  that are upstanding from an end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10 . In the illustrated embodiment there are three such projections  42  that are triangular shaped and that are disposed radially around each opening  32  of each accessory holder  30 . Although the projections  42  in the illustrated embodiment are triangular shaped this is not essential and any suitable shape serving purpose of the projections  42  described below will suffice. Between adjacent projections  42  there is a flat surface or recess  46 . When the nose portion of the drill  100  of  FIG. 3  is moved towards and into contact with the end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus the projections  42  and the recesses  46  of the drill engaging means  40  engage a nose portion  100  of a housing  105  of the drill  100  or a suitably shaped chuck  120 , or portion thereof, to thereby position the accessory holder  30  relative to the drill  100  whereby the drill bit  20  or other accessory held by the accessory holder  30  is positioned for in use connection to the drill  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment in which the accessory is a drill bit  20 , positioning of the drill bit  20  for in use connection with the drill  100  involves positioning the drill bit  20  relative to an adjustable chuck  120  of the drill  100 . The adjustable chuck  120  of the drill  100  is coupled to a drive means  107  for driving rotation of the chuck  120  about an axis of rotation. The chuck  120  includes a plurality of chuck jaws  122  mounted to a head portion  130  in an angular orientation relative to the axis of rotation of the chuck  120 . Each jaw  122  has a gripping face  123  adapted to clamp against the shank of the drill bit  120  or like accessory. Adjustment means are provided to enable the jaws  122  to move as required to adjust to the diameter of the drill bit  20  to be gripped. 
     Each jaw  122  is slidably mounted to the head portion  130  of the chuck  120  so as to be movable relative to the head portion  130  on a path that is angularly displaced relative to the axis of rotation of the chuck  120 . The adjusting means includes an adjusting nut  124  and the head portion  130  rotatably mounted and meshing with each jaw  122  through a thread or worm connection. The arrangement is such that rotation of the head portion  130  relative to the nut  124  and the jaws  122  moves the gripping face  123  of each jaw  122  towards or away from the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  while simultaneously projecting each jaw  122  outwardly or retracting each jaw  122  inwardly relative to the head portion  130  of the chuck  120 . 
     When the drill bit  20  is to be inserted between the jaws  122  for gripping by the gripping face  123  of each jaw  122  the head portion  130  is rotated relative to the adjustment nut  124  and the jaws  122  such that each jaw  122  moves away from the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  and retracts inwardly relative to the head portion  130 . The shank of the drill bit  20  may then be inserted between the jaws  122  and the head portion  130  of the chuck  120  rotated relative to the adjustment nut  124  in the reverse direction such that the jaws  122  move towards the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  and project outwardly relative to the head portion  130  and clamp the bit between the gripping faces  123  of the jaws  122 . 
     It is necessary to align the axis of the drill bit  20  and the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  for when the bit  20  is connected to the drill  100  in the manner described above for use therewith. This is so that when the drill bit  20  is in an in use connection with the drill  100  which is then operated the chuck  120  and the drill bit  20  will rotate about a stationary axis and will be effective for drilling. If the axis of the drill bit  20  is not aligned with the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  then when the drill  100  is operated the axis of the drill bit  20  will not be stationary. Instead it will rotate about the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  and the drill bit  20  will not be entirely effective for drilling if at all. 
     Previously it has been necessary to align the axis of the drill bit  20  and the axis of rotation of a chuck  120  by hand and eye. This process typically involves placing the drill bit  20  by hand in a position in which the user estimates that the axes of the drill bit  20  and the chuck  120  are aligned. Then the user adjusts the chuck  120  so that the jaws  122  grip the drill bit  20 . Frequently the user inaccurately aligns the axes in which case the chuck  120  must be adjusted to release the bit  20  from the jaws  122 , the drill bit  20  readjusted, and the chuck  120  and jaws  122  tightened again. It is not uncommon for this process to be repeated several times before the user is satisfied that the axes of the drill bit  20  and the chuck  120  are aligned. The drill engaging means  40  of the apparatus  10  does away with the inadequate process whereby a user must position a drill bit  20  by hand and readjust the chuck  120  several times to align the axes of the drill bit  20  and the chuck  120 . 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 6 , the drill  100  has a housing  105  incorporating a nose portion  110 . The nose portion  110  is an extension of the housing  105  that surrounds the chuck  120  and the jaws  122  thereof. The nose portion  110  terminates at an annular end face  114  that adjoins a chuck facing surface  112  of the nose portion  110 . The chuck facing surface  112  has a truncated cone shape which increases in diameter approaching the annular end face  114 . Each of the triangular shaped projections  42  has an outwardly facing surface  43  and an inwardly facing surface  45 . The plurality of triangular shaped projections  42  that are upstanding from the end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  are insertable into the nose portion  110  of the drill  100  such that the outwardly facing surfaces  43  of the projections  42  locate against the chuck facing surface  112  of the nose portion  110  of the drill  100 . The end face  114  of the nose portion  110  abuts against the end surface  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  immediately adjacent to where the projections  42  upstand therefrom. The result of the projections  42  locating against the chuck facing surface  112  and the end face  114  of the nose portion  110  abutting against the end surface  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  is that the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  is aligned, in an accurate manner, in a predetermined orientation and position relative to the accessory holder  30 . 
     The accessory holder  30  will have a central longitudinal axis and in the case where the accessory holder  30  includes a passage  34  defined by the cylindrical wall  33  the accessory holder  30  will have a central longitudinal axis which is a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical wall  33 . Accordingly, a form of the engagement means  40  may enable the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  to be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the accessory holder  30 . Where the accessory holder  30  contains an accessory such as a drill bit  20 , the engagement means may enable the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  and a central longitudinal axis of the drill bit  20  held by the accessory holder  30  to be aligned and with a portion of the shank of the drill bit  20  inserted into the chuck and located between the jaws  122  thereof. With the drill bit  20  positioned for in use connection to the drill  100  the chuck  120  may be adjusted by any suitable means such that the gripping surfaces  123  of the jaws  122  grip the drill bit  20 . Where the apparatus  10  is arranged such that the drill bit  20  is positioned with the central longitudinal axis of the drill bit  20  and the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  in alignment then the chuck  120  need only be adjusted once. This is because the apparatus  10  will have achieved appropriate alignment of the central longitudinal axis of the drill bit  20  and the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  without the need for readjustment. 
     It is to be appreciated that the invention relates to the principle of providing the apparatus  10  with an arrangement of the drill engaging means  40  that provides for engagement with the drill  100  so as to position the accessory holder  30  relative to the drill  100  whereby the accessory, such as a drill bit  20 , held by the accessory holder  30  is positioned for in use connection to the drill  100 . Accordingly, the invention is not limited to any particular arrangement of the drill engaging means  40 . 
     Another possible arrangement of the drill engaging means  40 , not shown in the Figures, may include providing an enlarged portion of the passage  34  of the accessory holder  30  in the region of the opening  32  for receiving the jaws  122  of a standard drill  100  while a portion of the chuck  120  abuts directly against a level surface surrounding the opening  32 . As long as there is engagement between the apparatus  10  and the drill  100  whereby the accessory, such as a drill bit  20 , is positioned for in use connection to the drill  100  then the invention may encompass such an arrangement. Thus, in another form, the projections  42  may be elongated to such an extent that they extend over the chuck  120  and directly engage the housing  105  of the drill  100  such that an accessory, such as a drill bit  20 , is positioned for in use connection to the drill  100 . 
     In the embodiments of the apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 3 to 11 , the apparatus  10  also includes an accessory gripping member  22 ,  22 A. In the embodiment of the apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 , the gripping member  22  includes a pair of resiliently flexible arms  23 ,  24  joined by a web  25  so as to provide the gripping member  22  with a generally u-shaped profile. The gripping member is located in the passage  34  of the accessory holder  30  distally from the opening  32 . The arms  23 ,  24  are flared at their free ends. Insertion of the drill bit  20  or other accessory into the passage  34  the bit  20  results in the flared free ends of the arms  23 ,  24 , which are wider than the drill bit  20 , being forced apart as the drill bit  20  moves deeper into the gap between the arms  23 ,  24  which is, apart from the flared free ends, narrower than the drill bit  20 . When the drill bit  20  is inserted deeply enough the drill bit  20  is held in position in an interference fit between the resiliently flexible arms  23 ,  24  whereby the drill bit  20  is securely retained in position. 
       FIGS. 7 to 10  illustrate an alternative embodiment of an accessory gripping member  22 A to the embodiment of the gripping member  22  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . Where components of the two embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6  and in  FIGS. 7 to 10  are not significantly different then common reference numerals have been used. Where components of the two embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6  and in  FIGS. 7 to 10  are different then the reference numerals that have been used to identify those components in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  differ from the reference numerals that have been used to identify those components in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6  by the addition of an “A” to the reference numeral. 
     The gripping member  22 A includes three resiliently flexible arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A that are located in the passage  34  of the accessory holder  30  proximally to the opening  32 . The location of the three resiliently flexible arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A in the passage  34  proximally to the opening  32  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  contrasts with the location of the resiliently flexible arms  23 ,  24  distally from the opening  32  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A each have a supporting end  31 A and an accessory engaging end  33 A extending substantially perpendicularly from the supporting end  31 A. Thus, each one of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A has a substantially L-shape configuration. 
     The supporting end  31 A of each one of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A is configured to be positioned in one of a plurality of recesses  41 A located about the opening  32  in one of the end faces  12 ,  14  of the of the apparatus  10 . The supporting end  31 A of each one of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A is a flat member having a lower surface  50 A and an opposite upper surface  51 A. When an arm  23 A,  24 A,  25 A is positioned in one of the recesses  41 A the lower surface  50 A comes into face to face engagement with the recess  41 A. The upper surface  51 A of the supporting end  31 A faces away from the recess  41 A for face to face engagement with a drill engaging means  40 A which is substantially the same as the drill engaging means  40  of the embodiment of the apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , each one of the drill engaging means  40 A includes triangular shaped projections  42 A upstanding from a planar base portion  44 A. The triangular shaped projections  42 A upstanding from a planar base portion  44 A of the drill engaging means  40 A serve the same function as the triangular shaped projections  42  upstanding from the end faces  12 ,  14  of the embodiment of the of the drill engaging means  40  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . In particular, when the nose portion of the drill  100  is moved towards and into contact with the end face  12  planar base portion  44 A the projections  42 A of the drill engaging means  40 A engage the nose portion  100  of the housing  105  of the drill  100  or the suitably shaped chuck  120 , or portion thereof, to thereby position the accessory holder  30  relative to the drill  100  whereby the drill bit  20  or other accessory held by the accessory holder  30  is positioned for in use connection to the drill  100 . In this way, the drill engagement means  40 A may function to enable the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  to be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the accessory holder  30 . Where the accessory holder  30  contains an accessory such as a drill bit  20 , the engagement means may function to enable the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  and a central longitudinal axis of the drill bit  20  held by the accessory holder  30  to be aligned. 
     Similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 , in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  the plurality of triangular shaped projections  42 A that are upstanding from the end face  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  are configured to be insertable into the nose portion  110  of the drill  100  such that outwardly facing surfaces  43 A of the projections  42 A locate against the chuck facing surface  112  of the nose portion  110  of the drill  100 . The plurality of triangular shaped projections  42 A are also configured to cooperate with another form of the nose portion  110  of the drill  100  (not shown), which may have a smaller diameter than the nose portion  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 6 , such that inwardly facing surfaces  45 A of the projections  42 A locate against an outwardly facing surface  113  of the nose portion  110  of the drill  100 . The result of the inwardly facing surfaces  45 A of the projections  42 A locating against an outwardly facing surface  113  of the nose portion  110  of the drill  100  is that the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  is aligned, in an accurate manner, in a predetermined orientation and position relative to the accessory holder  30 . 
     Each one of the drill engaging means  40 A includes a central opening  48 A through the planar base portion  44 A that is configured to be aligned with a respective one of the openings  32  of each accessory holder  30 . The planar base portion  44 A includes a lower surface  46 A and an upper surface  47 A. The lower surface  46 A is configured to be positioned in face to face engagement with a respective one of the end faces  12 ,  14  and about the opening  32 . The lower surface  46 A has a plurality of lugs  49 A extending therefrom. Each one of the lugs  49 A extends through one of a plurality of apertures  13 A positioned about the opening  32  in a respective one of the end faces  12 ,  14 . When the lug  49 A extends through the aperture  13 A it engages the aperture in a snap-fit arrangement so as to retain the lower surface  46 A of the base portion  44 A in face to face engagement with the respective one of the end faces  12 ,  14 . When the base portion  44 A is engaged in face to face engagement with the respective one of the end faces  12 ,  14  it covers the recesses  41 A surrounding the opening  32 . In so doing, the lower surface  46 A of the base portion  44 A retains the supporting end  31 A of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A in position in the recesses  41 A. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , a pair of bosses  62 A project from the lower surface  46 A of the base portion  44 A. The bosses  62 A are configured to be received within a corresponding pair of apertures  64 A within the supporting end  31 A of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A. Thus, the bosses  62 A and the apertures  64 A co-operate when the base portion  44 A is in position covering the recesses  41 A to help retain the supporting end  31 A of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A in position in the recesses  41 A and prevent excess movement of the  23 A,  24 A,  25 A within the recesses  41 A. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  there are three of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A for every accessory gripping member  22 A and there is an accessory gripping member  22 A for each accessory holder  30 . Thus, there are three of the recesses  41 A for each accessory holder  30  to accommodate the supporting ends  31 A of each of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A. The three recesses  41 A are located immediately adjacent to and surrounding the opening  32 . When the supporting end  31 A of each one of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A is positioned in a respective one of the recesses  41 A in one of the end faces  12 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  the accessory engaging ends  33 A of each of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A protrudes into the passage  34  of the respective accessory holder  30 . The accessory engaging ends  33 A of each of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A also extend substantially parallel to the cylindrical wall  33  and in the direction of the central axis of the passage  34  in a direction away from the opening  32 . Although In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 10  there are three of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A for every accessory gripping member  22 A it is possible to have greater or less than three of the arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A for every accessory gripping member  22 A. 
     The accessory engaging ends  33 A of each of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A each have a kinked region  36 A that is adapted to engage against the drill bit  20  upon insertion through the opening  32  into the passage  34 . The respective kinked regions  36 A of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A are aligned in the same plane and form a narrowed region within the passage  34  adjacent to the opening  32 . The arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A are resiliently flexible such that when the drill bit  20  or other accessory is inserted through the opening  32  and into the passage  34  the drill bit  20  engages the kinked regions  36 A of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A and forces them apart. Thus, when the drill bit  20  is inserted into the passage  34  the drill bit  20  is held in position in an interference fit between the resiliently flexible arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A wherein the kinked regions  36 A of the three arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A engage and clamp the drill bit  20  therebetween. Accordingly, the resiliently flexible arms  23 A,  24 A,  25 A drill engaging means  40 A is operable to releasably secure the drill bit  20  in position within the passage  34  of the accessory holder  30 . 
     When the drill bit  20  is connected to the drill  100  and one wishes to insert the drill bit  20  into the accessory holder  30  for storage the drill bit  20  is inserted through the opening  32  into the accessory holder  30  while still connected to the drill  10 . The chuck  120  is then adjusted to release the drill bit  20  and the accessory gripping member  22 ,  22 A retains the drill bit  20  or other accessory within the accessory holder  30  as the drill  100  is moved away from the apparatus  10 . As a result, and the drill bit  20  is retained within the accessory holder  30  and separated from the drill  100 . 
     The gripping member  22 ,  22 A may have another function in assisting to ensure that the drill bit  20  or other accessory is aligned in the accessory holder  30  such that when it is required to connect the drill bit  20  or other accessory to the drill  100  the drill bit  20  or other accessory will be accurately aligned with the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  for connection therewith. Where the drill bit  20  or other accessory has a central longitudinal axis, the gripping member  22 ,  22 A assists in ensuring that the central longitudinal axis of drill bit  20  or other accessory is aligned in the accessory holder  30  such that when it is required to connect the drill bit  20  or other accessory to the drill  100  the axis of the drill bit  20  or other accessory will be accurately aligned with the axis of rotation of the chuck  120  for connection therewith. 
     The drill  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6  has a housing  105  incorporating a nose portion  110  which is an extension of the housing  105  that surrounds the chuck  120  and the jaws  122  thereof. This nose portion  110  can act as a grip when the drill  100  is in use. It can also act as a guard for preventing body parts, hair or clothing from being caught in the moving parts of the drill  100  or to protect the surrounding material of the work piece or other materials from damage from the spinning chuck  120  when the drill  100  is in use. The nose portion  110  is also particularly suitable for use in relation to the preferred form of the apparatus  10  of the invention. As mentioned above the shaping of the nose portion  110 , in particular the annular end face  114  and the chuck facing surface  112  are specifically configured for use in relation to the apparatus  10  described and illustrated herein. 
     Another feature of the drill  100  illustrated herein is that it features a chuck adjust mode which may be selected by the user such that operation of the drill  100  in the forward and reverse directions causes the chuck  120  to be adjusted in the two manners described above, namely for gripping and release of the drill bit  20 , without the user having to grip or otherwise touch the chuck  120  or any part thereof. Thus, when the drill  100  is used with the apparatus  10  the user may select the chuck adjust mode and insert the shank of the drill bit  20  held by the apparatus  10  into the chuck  120  without having to directly hold the drill bit  20  and by simply activating the drill  100  cause the chuck  120  to grip the drill bit  20 . The user can then switch the drill  100  from the chuck adjust mode so that the drill  100  and the drill bit  20  can be used for drilling. Similarly, when it is desired to store the drill bit  20  in the apparatus, the chuck adjust mode can be selected for the drill  100 , the drill bit  20  can be inserted into the accessory holder  30  of the apparatus  10  and by activating the drill  100  in the reverse direction the drill bit  20  can be released while it is retained by the apparatus  10 . 
     It will be appreciated that when the drill  100  incorporating the chuck adjust mode, such as described above, is used with the apparatus  10 , in the process of connecting and disconnecting the chuck  120  and the drill bit  20  or other accessory, the chuck  120  and/or the drill bit  20  may rotate within the accessory holder  30  of the apparatus  10 . Accordingly, it is envisaged that the apparatus  10  may include a wear resistant material located about the opening  32  to counter wear due to contact between the apparatus  10  and the rotating chuck  120 . Similar wear resistant material may also be applied to the cylindrical wall  33  of the passage  34  of the accessory holder to counter wear due to contact between the cylindrical wall  33  and the rotating drill bit  20  when the drill bit  20  rotates within the accessory holder  30 . 
     When the apparatus  10  is used with a drill  100  of the type illustrated herein a user may connect the drill bit  20  or other accessory to the drill  100  without having to handle either the drill bit  20  or the chuck  120 . This is advantageous from a safety perspective, particularly when compared with existing means for connecting drill bits or other accessories to existing drills. When connecting drill bits to existing drills it is necessary to hold the drill bit in position and with the same hand simultaneously grip the chuck to apply a resistance force to the chuck. The user must also simultaneously, and with the other hand, activate the drill so that the head portion of the chuck will rotate relative to the adjustment nut such that the gripping faces of the jaws move towards the axis of rotation of the chuck and project outwardly relative to the head portion and grip the shank of the drill bit therebetween. Such existing drill arrangements are inherently unsafe as the hand holding the drill bit and the chuck can be injured due to rotation thereof when the drill is activated to adjust the chuck. Conversely, as mentioned above, when the apparatus  10  of the present invention is used with a drill  100  of the type illustrated herein, or any other suitable drill, a user may disconnect the drill bit  20  and the chuck  120  when disconnecting the drill bit  20  from the drill  100  without needing to handle the drill bit  20 . 
     When the type of drill (not shown) requires a user to hold the chuck  120  by hand while the drill is activated in the forward or reverse direction to adjust the chuck then the apparatus  10  at least does away with a user having to hold the drill bit  20 . Accordingly, the user need not hold the drill bit  20  when connecting the drill bit  20  to the drill. This reduces the likelihood of a user being injured as a result of contact between the user&#39;s hand and the drill bit  20  when the drill bit  20  rotates in the process of being connected to the chuck. A similar advantage applies where the drill is of a kind which involves the use of a key or like device (not shown) to adjust the chuck. That advantage being that the user does not need to handle the drill bit  20  or other accessory in position relative to the drill while adjusting the chuck with a key or another like chuck adjusting means. It is also envisaged that the apparatus  10  may include means that are co-operable with the chuck of existing drills that require a key or a user to grip the chuck in order to adjust the chuck. In this form, the apparatus  10  includes means that are co-operable with the chuck of the drill to facilitate adjustment of the chuck and connection of the drill bit  20  or other accessory located in the accessory holder  30  to the chuck. Likewise the same means may be co-operable with the chuck when the user wishes disconnect the drill bit  20  or other accessory from the chuck for storage in the accessory holder  30 . The co-operable means are advantageous in that they do away with having to hold the chuck by hand or use a key or like device to adjust the chuck. 
     Embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein are in the context of an accessory in the form of the drill bit  20  which has a shank having a circular cross section. Because the drill bit  20  has a shank with a circular cross section the drill bit  20  the jaws  122  of the chuck  120  must apply a clamping force in order to grip the drill bit  20  therebetween. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may have beneficial application in relation to accessories which have a shank that does not have a circular cross section. For example, the accessory may have a portion for co-operation with the chuck  120  which has a square or hexagonal shaped cross section such as is commonly the case for screwdriver bits and the like used with cordless screwdrivers, impact drivers, drywall screwdrivers and like tools. 
     Although not illustrated in the drawings it is envisaged that the apparatus  10  may also include a means for cleaning the drill bit  20  or other accessory when it is received by and/or removed from the accessory holder  30 . One form of the means for cleaning the accessory includes bristles disposed adjacent to the opening  32  of one or more of the accessory holders  30 . When the drill bit  20  has accumulated debris from use and is inserted through the opening  32  into the accessory holder  30  the bristles sweep the debris from the surface of the drill bit  20  including from crevices on the surface of the drill bit  20 . In this way the amount of built up debris inside the apparatus  10  resulting from repeated insertion of the drill bits  20  is reduced. 
     The nose portion  110  may include a means for connection with an accessory for use with the drill  100 . The nose portion  110  of the drill  100  illustrated in the drawings has the chuck facing surface  112  of truncated cone shaped which increases in diameter as it approaches the annular end face  114 . It is envisaged that the chuck facing surface  112  may have a shape or configuration that is suitable for the attachment of accessories thereto. For example, the chuck facing surface  112  may be threaded so as to facilitate the connection of an accessory having a complementary thread for threaded connection therebetween. The provision of the thread or any other suitable shape or configuration on the chuck facing surface  112  is advantageous in that it facilitates the connection of accessories to the drill in the vicinity of the nose portion  110  surrounding the chuck  120  and the jaws  122  thereof. The accessory may include any one or more of the group including a levelling accessory, a lighting accessory, an alignment accessory, a metal detecting accessory and a plunge control accessory but is not limited to only these kinds of accessories. 
     It will be readily apparent that variations, modifications, alterations and additions to the illustrated embodiments of the apparatus  10  and the drill  100  incorporating the advantage of connecting the drill bit  20  or other accessory to the drill  100  without having to handle either the drill bit  20  or the chuck  120  are possible. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus  10  of the present invention may be of use with other power tools than the drill  100  which has been exemplified above. All such arrangements falling within the scope of the technological advancement disclosed herein are within the scope of the invention. Put another way, various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit and/or ambit of the invention.