Patent Abstract:
A multi-function tool includes an extendible and retractable portion that becomes offset from a centerline position of the handle when in the offset position. A locking mechanism allows the workman to offset the shaft from a centerline position of the handle, or retract the shaft back into the handle into a centerline position. While the shaft is in the extended and offset position, the shaft rotates freely in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the shaft is retracted in the straight centerline position, a ratchet mechanism or gear box restricts shaft rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or allows rotation in either direction. The shaft can be extended and offset by means of a spring or other device that allows the locking mechanism to offset automatically or semi-automatically when the locking mechanism is activated. The shaft allows the workman to interchange bits or sockets for multiple applications.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/277,246 filed on Sep. 23, 2009 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates to a multi-function tool, and more particularly, a multi-function tool for driving fasteners such as bolts and nuts, and any type of machine or wood screw and the like. The multi-function tool includes an extendible and a retractable shaft that can be extended in an offset position with respect to the handle as well as a retracted position in a centerline position with respect to the handle. 
     When inserting or removing a fastener with a hand tool into or out from a work piece, a workman&#39;s efficiency is limited by the ability of the tool to translate mechanical force exerted by his hand to the fastener through rotary movement. For example, a tool, such as a conventional screwdriver or wrench having a fixed handle mounted to a straight shaft, imposes a physical limitation on the workman, allowing him to utilize only the torque which he can exert through his hand by the twisting of his wrist. Additionally, because the wrist cannot rotate completely about a circle, to complete a full cycle of rotation with a conventional hand tool, the workman must periodically release his grip on the handle of the tool, rotate his hand back to a starting position and re-grip the tool handle to continue applying force. A tool utilizing an offset shaft from the handle that rotates freely within the handle, commonly called a twirly or a whirlybird, allows the workman to continuously grip the tool and move the handle of the tool in a continuous circle as the tip acts against the fastener. Unfortunately, when a shaft is offset and rotates freely off of the centerline axis, it restricts the amount of force or torque that can be exerted, thus failing to generate an equivalent force of a standard centerline screwdriver or wrench. Attempts have been made to provide rotary tools permitting better translation of the workman&#39;s exertions. However, none of the rotary tools currently known allow the workman to change positions of the shaft in relation to the centerline axis of the handle and an offset position with a motion completed with the same hand, either the right hand or the left hand. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     This disclosure is directed in one embodiment to a multi-function tool having the ability to offset the shaft connected to a handle and rotate freely in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The shaft of the tool can retract or extend into and out of a handle by means of a movable button or lever. The movable button or lever allows the shaft to extend from one end of the handle and become offset from a centerline position of the handle, and to retract back inside the end of the handle to realign the shaft with the centerline of the handle. The movable button or lever may be activated manually or spring loaded in an otherwise automatic or semi-automatic mechanical operation. In the retracted position in the handle, a ratchet mechanism or a gearbox can restrict shaft rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or allow free rotation in either direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a top view of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a side view of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. 
         FIG. 1D  shows an end view of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a partial view of the head end of the multi-function tool in a retracted position in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a partial view of the head end of the multi-function tool in an extended and offset position in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of the movable arms assembly in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  shows several screwdriver bits utilized in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows several hollow nut driver bits utilized in an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the Figures, like reference numerals and names refer to structurally and/or functionally similar elements thereof, and if objects depicted in the figures that are covered by another object, as well as the tag line for the element number thereto, may be shown in dashed lines.  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  10  show a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view respectively, and  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view, of an embodiment of the multi-function tool. Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D , and  FIG. 2 , Multi-Function Tool  100  has a Top Housing  1  and a Bottom Housing  2 . When assembled together, Top Housing  1  and a Bottom Housing  2  have a shaped handle and belly that fit the form of either hand, feels comfortable, and is easy to grip with a mass of the handle that fits the palm of either hand. Pointer Finger Choil  3  and Middle Finger Choil  4  enhance a grip position for applying maximum torque. Storage Door  5  is hinged on one end and has a bendable clip on the other end that locks in place in the base of Top Housing  1  and a Bottom Housing  2 . Storage Area  6  is formed by Top Housing  1 , Bottom Housing  2 , and Storage Door  5 . Within Storage Area  6  standard Screwdriver Bits  47  (see  FIG. 5A ) and Hollow Nut Driver Bits  48  (see  FIG. 5B ) may be stored that fit into to Hex Holder Tip  22 . Screwdriver Bits  47  may be different types, such as flat head or Phillips head, and may be various sizes. Hollow Nut Driver Bits  48  may also be of different types and sizes. Multi-Function Tool  100  may be built in different sizes to accommodate various sizes of bits. 
     Top Slide Shaft  7  and Bottom Slide Shaft  8  mate together and are secured through Slide Barrel  9  with C-Clip  10  at their ends. Slide Button  11  abuts Ring  12  of Slide Barrel  9 . Pawl  13 , Spur Barrel  14 , Ratchet Rings  15  (which mate together to form a unitary ratchet ring), Washer  16 , Tab  17 , and Ratchet Spring  43  form a standard ratchet mechanism familiar in the art. Pawl  13  has two teeth that face in opposite directions. These teeth engage the spurs on Spur Barrel  14 . Tab  17  is contained inside Ratchet Rings  15  with Ratchet Spring  43  that pushes Tab  17  down against Pawl  13 . When Ratchet Rings  15  are in a middle position, Tab  17  pushes down against the middle of Pawl  13  so that both teeth engage the spurs on Spur Barrel  14 , locking it into place. When Ratchet Rings  15  are rotated to either side, Tab  17  pushes on the edge of Pawl  13  so that only one tooth engages Spur Barrel  14 . This allows Spur Barrel  14  to rotate in one direction but not the other, which enables the ratchet feature in the two directions indicated by Arrow  19 . 
     Thumb Nubs  18  on Ratchet Rings  15  allow the workman to change the clockwise or counter clockwise direction of the shaft spin without changing the workman&#39;s grip on the handle. While the workman grasps Multi-Function Tool  100  with his hand, with the pointer and middle fingers engaged with Pointer Finger Choil  3  and Middle Finger Choil  4 , the workman, with using only the thumb of the hand grasping Multi-Function Tool  100 , can engage Thumb Nubs  18  with the thumb and rotate Ratchet Rings  15  in the transverse direction to Centerline  44  shown by Arrow  19 . In the same fashion, the workman with using only the thumb of the hand grasping Multi-Function Tool  100  can move Slide Button  11  in the parallel direction to Centerline  44  shown by Arrow  20 . In  FIGS. 1A-1D , Multi-Function Tool  100  is shown in a partially extended position but not offset.  FIG. 3A  shows Multi-Function Tool  100  in the retracted position.  FIG. 3B  shows Multi-Function Tool  100  in the extended and offset position. In  FIG. 1B , Slide Button  11  as shown would represent Multi-Function Tool  100  in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 3A . When Slide Button  11  is pushed forward to the Slide Button Phantom Position  11 ′ shown in  FIG. 1B , Multi-Function Tool  100  would be in the extended and offset position as shown in  FIG. 3B . In  FIGS. 3A and 3B , Covers  24  are not shown. 
     Collar  21  provides an opening that allows Movable Arms Assembly  23  which are attached to Hex Holder Tip  22  to extend out from Top Housing  1  and Bottom Housing  2  to the extended and offset position shown in  FIG. 3B . A pair of Covers  24  are secured to Movable Arms Assembly  23  by their pins that pass through Holes  46 . The shape and curvature of Covers  24  help assist the smooth extension and retraction of Movable Arms Assembly  23  in and out from Collar  21 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of Movable Arms Assembly  23 . Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, each arm of Movable Arms Assembly  23  is comprised of a number of individual layers: Outer Layers  25 , Intermediate Layers  26 , and Inner Layer  27 . Each assembled arm is a mirror image of the other. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , a Channel  28  is formed by the individual layers which accommodates Eyelet  29  and Eyelet  30  when Movable Arms Assembly  23  is in the extended and offset position as shown in  FIG. 3B . In another embodiment, each arm of Movable Arms Assembly  23  is machined from a solid part. Regarding the various parts that make up Multi-Function Tool  100 , one skilled in the art will recognize that the parts may be made of combinations of one or more of injection molded plastic, injection molded nylon, machined metals, die cast aluminum and aluminum alloys, stamped steel, forged and drilled carbon steel with nickel coating, extruded steel, and the like. One material may be substituted for another depending upon specific design criteria and the intended use or application. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , Shaft Pins  31  secure one end of Movable Arms Assembly  23  to Top Slide Shaft  7  and Bottom Slide Shaft  8  through Holes  32 . Tip Pins  33  secure the other end of Movable Arms Assembly  23  to Hex Holder Tip  22  through Holes  34 . Center Pins  35  fit in Holes  36  and are flush with the outer surfaces of Outer Layers  25 . Shaft Pins  31  and Tip Pins  33  extend from the outer surfaces of Outer Layers  25  and are slightly smaller in diameter than Holes  32  and Holes  34  allowing Movable Arms Assembly  23  to rotate freely about Shaft Pins  31  and Tip Pins  33  with respect to Top Slide Shaft  7  and Bottom Slide Shaft  8  and Hex Holder Tip  22 . 
     Tail Spring Pin  37  fits in Holes  38  of Top Slide Shaft  7  and Bottom Slide Shaft  8 . One end of Tail Spring  39  wraps around Tail Spring Pin  37 , and the other end of Tail Spring  39  is secured to Eyelet  30 . Head Spring Pin  40  fits in Holes  41  of Hex Holder Tip  22 . One end of Head Spring  42  wraps around Head Spring Pin  40 , and the other end of Head Spring  42  is secured to Eyelet  29 . Due to the offset nature of the attachment of Tail Spring  39  and Head Spring  42 , to Top Slide Shaft  7 /Bottom Slide Shaft  8  and Hex Holder Tip  22 , tension is applied to each member of Movable Arms Assembly  23 . As Slide Button  11  is engaged by the workman&#39;s thumb and is slid in a forward direction indicated by Arrow  20 , Movable Arms Assembly  23  begins to extend from the retracted position shown in  FIG. 3A  towards the extended and offset position shown in  FIG. 3B . Once the tips of Top Slide Shaft  7 /Bottom Slide Shaft  8  extend far enough out from Collar  21 , the tension provided by Tail Spring  39  and Head Spring  42  cause Movable Arms Assembly  23  top snap from a straight position to the extended and offset position shown in  FIG. 3B , rotating freely about Shaft Pins  31  and Tip Pins  33 . When the workman slides Slide Button  11  in a backward direction indicated by Arrow  20 , Movable Arms Assembly  23  will return to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 3A . One skilled in the art will recognize that leaf springs may be substituted for Tail Spring Pin  37  and Head Spring Pin  40 . Other mechanisms for biasing Movable Arms Assembly  23  with respect to Top Slide Shaft  7 /Bottom Slide Shaft  8  and Hex Holder Tip  22  are within the scope of this disclosure. In other embodiments of the invention, Movable Arms Assembly  23  may consist of a single arm with a single spring. 
     The manner of utilizing Multi-Function Tool  100  in one embodiment can be described as follows. A workman desires to remove a Phillips head screw from a work piece. The workman places a Phillips head screwdriver bit in Hex Holder Tip  22 . The workman grasps Multi-Function Tool  100  with one hand and slides Slide Button  11  with the workman&#39;s thumb to place Multi-Function Tool  100  in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 3A  (if not already in the retracted position). The workman next manipulates Thumb Nubs  18  with the workman&#39;s thumb to move Ratchet Rings  15  into the middle position (if not already in the middle position), which locks the ratchet mechanism from turning. The workman then engages the screwdriver bit with the screw and then turns Multi-Function Tool  100  with his hand in a counterclockwise direction, allowing the workman to exert the torque needed to break the screw loose from the work piece. 
     The workman next manipulates Slide Button  11  with his thumb in a forward direction indicated by Arrow  20  to move Movable Arms Assembly  23  to the extended and offset position shown in  FIG. 3B . In the extended and offset position, Pawl  13  becomes disengaged from the spurs of Spur Barrel  14 , which now allows Top Slide Shaft  7 /Bottom Slide Shaft  8 , Movable Arms Assembly  23 , and Hex Holder Tip  22  to freely rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the directions indicated by Arrow  19  with respect to Offset Centerline  45 . Thus, Multi-Function Tool  100  now behaves like an offset screwdriver commonly called a twirly or a whirlybird. Offset screwdrivers work like a single bike pedal. Turning the whirlybirds handle like a pedal will turn the tip and the screw. The workman may now rapidly move the handle portion of Multi-Function Tool  100  in a counterclockwise direction, rotating about Offset Centerline  45 , to speedily remove the screw from the work piece. In one embodiment of the invention, Centerline  44  and Offset Centerline  45  are parallel to each other. After the screw is engaged with the Phillips head screwdriver bit, all of the above steps beyond that point are accomplished with either the right hand alone or the left hand alone and without removing the screwdriver bit from the screw. 
     The manner of utilizing Multi-Function Tool  100  in another embodiment can be described as follows. A workman desires to drive a hex head bolt into a work piece. The workman places a hollow nut driver bit of the desired size in Hex Holder Tip  22 . The workman grasps Multi-Function Tool  100  with one hand and slides Slide Button  11  with the workman&#39;s thumb to place Multi-Function Tool  100  in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 3A  (if not already in the retracted position). The workman next manipulates Thumb Nubs  18  with the workman&#39;s thumb to move Ratchet Rings  15  into the middle position (if not already in the middle position), which locks the ratchet mechanism from turning. The workman then turns Multi-Function Tool  100  with his hand in a clockwise direction, allowing the workman to exert the torque needed to begin driving the bolt into the work piece. The workman next manipulates Slide Button  11  with his thumb in a forward direction indicated by Arrow  20  to move Movable Arms Assembly  23  to the extended and offset position shown in  FIG. 3B . In the extended and offset position, Pawl  13  becomes disengaged from the spurs of Spur Barrel  14 , which now allows Top Slide Shaft  7 /Bottom Slide Shaft  8 , Movable Arms Assembly  23 , and Hex Holder Tip  22  to freely rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the directions indicated by Arrow  19  with respect to Centerline  44 . Thus, Multi-Function Tool  100  now behaves like an offset screwdriver commonly called a twirly or a whirlybird. The workman may now rapidly move the handle portion Multi-Function Tool  100  in a clockwise direction about Offset Centerline  45  to speedily drive the bolt into the work piece. Once snug, the workman can manipulate Slide Button  11  in a backwards direction to move Movable Arms Assembly  23  into the retracted position. The workman then manipulates Thumb Nubs  18  to lock the ratchet mechanism to provide torque in the clockwise direction, and allow free turning in the counterclockwise direction. The workman may now rotate Multi-Function Tool  100  with his hand in a clockwise rotating manner to fully tighten the bolt into the work piece. After the bolt is engaged with the hollow nut driver bit, all of the steps beyond this point are accomplished with one hand and without removing the hollow nut driver bit from the bolt. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1