Patent Abstract:
A screwdriver is equipped with a striking surface. The striking surface is partially embedded within the screwdriver handle and includes an exposed face portion which is offset from a longitudinal axis. A shank protrudes from the handle along the longitudinal axis and includes a receiving end for a bit. The screwdriver functions as both a screwdriver and a hammer.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a screwdriver, and more particularly to a screwdriver equipped with a hammer surface.  
         [0002]     Conventional screwdrivers generally include a handle and a shank with a functional end. The functional end is used to engage a threaded fastener. While utilizing the screwdriver it may become necessary to tap objects into place.  
         [0003]     Screwdrivers with some functionality to operate as a hammer are known. Screwdrivers of this type typically use an impact rod and spring configuration to exert a load to seat a fastener. Disadvantageously, these screwdrivers are relatively complicated and expensive. Screwdrivers with a longitudinal end for striking with a hammer are also known. These relatively simple screwdrivers utilize a heavy shank as the striking surface, which may limit the tool&#39;s functionality as a screwdriver.  
         [0004]     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a screwdriver with a hammer surface which is uncomplicated and that does not detract from the primary screwdriver function.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The screwdriver of the present invention provides a hammer surface for tapping objects into place in addition to providing the functionality of a conventional screwdriver.  
         [0006]     The present invention includes a handle, a shank and a striking surface. The striking surface is partially embedded into the handle of the screwdriver. A face portion of the striking surface is exposed on at least one side of the axis. The face portion of the striking surface is perpendicular to the fastener when striking.  
         [0007]     The shank is located at an end opposite from the striking surface. The shank includes a receiving end for a bit, the bit being capable of engaging a fastener.  
         [0008]     The screwdriver of the present invention provides an uncomplicated tool which functions both as a hammer and a conventional screwdriver. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a general perspective view of the screwdriver in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is an illustrative view of the striking surface end of the screwdriver of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an illustrative view of the shank end of the screwdriver of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a use of the screwdriver of the present invention; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a second schematic representation of a use of the screwdriver of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a general perspective view of the screwdriver  10  of the present invention. A shank  12  has the general form of a rod having at one end a receiving end  14  for a removable bit  16 . The bit  16  can be of the phillips head type or of the flat head type as well as of any other type.  
         [0016]     A handle  18  is formed around a portion of the shank  12  at an end opposite the receiving end  14  of the shank  12 . The handle  18  defines a longitudinal axis A along the length thereof. The handle  18  is preferably manufactured of a resilient material such as rubber and/or plastic. It should be understood that other materials may be utilized in the construction of the handle of the present invention.  
         [0017]     A striking surface  20  is partially embedded into a cup shaped portion  22  of the handle  18  at an end opposite the shank  12 . The longitudinal axis A passes through the striking surface. The striking surface is preferably manufactured of a metallic material. It should be understood that other materials may be utilized in the construction of the striking surface of the present invention.  
         [0018]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the striking surface  20  is a solid cylindrical member. The striking surface  20  defines a face portion  24  and a head portion  26 . The face portion  24  is exposed on at least one side of the handle  18  and is offset from longitudinal axis A. That is, the face portion  24  is parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Preferably the face portion  24  is exposed on two sides of the handle  18  offset from longitudinal axis A. The head portion  26  of the striking surface  20  is perpendicular to the face portion  24 . The head portion  26  has a convex shape and is exposed at the end of the handle  18 . Longitudinal axis A passes through the center of the head portion  26 .  
         [0019]     The striking surface  20  is preferably at least partially embedded into the cup shaped portion  22  of the handle  18 . The cup shaped portion  22  of the handle  18  is preferably a scalloped shaped cup. Grip contours  28  blend into a scalloped cup shape around the striking surface  20  for gripping purposes and to ensure the striking surface  20  is securely fitted into the cup shaped portion  22  of the handle  18 .  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a centrally apertured body  30  receives a portion of the shank  12  for securing the shank  12  to the handle  18 . The shank  12  is bonded to the handle  18  therein with a lock structure  32 . The lock structure  32  securely fastens the shank  12  within the handle  18  to resist torsional forces. The shank  12  extends partially through the length of handle  18 . The handle  18  includes a plurality of finger grips  34  for improved gripping of the screwdriver  10  when utilizing the tool to tighten or loosen a fastener or to tap an object into place.  
         [0021]     A shank face plate  36  with a hole  38  in the center thereof for the shank  12  is located at the end of the handle  18 . The shank face plate  36  serves as an aesthetically pleasing and more ergonomic means of housing the transition of the shank  12  with the handle  18  to the exposed portion of shank  12  outside of the handle  18 .  
         [0022]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the striking surface  20  of the screwdriver  10  is used to tap in a fastener  40 . The finger grips  34  allow for increased grip of the screwdriver  10  and isolate the hand from impact when utilizing the striking surface  20 . The longitudinal axis A and the striking surface  20  are perpendicular to the fastener  40  when striking.  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the bit  16  is being used to tighten/loosen a fastener  40 . The finger grips  34  and the grip contours  28  allow for an increased grip and a more ergonomic feel to handle  18 .  
         [0024]     That the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense is thus made apparent. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1