Abstract:
A reversible hand operated work tool comprising; a shaft including first and second working ends at opposite ends of the shaft; a co operating handle mounted on the shaft and capable of sliding therealong. The hand tool can be adjusted to move from a first working orientation to a second orientation by sliding the handle along the shaft mtennediate said working ends and without jtatnoving the handle form the shaft.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to improvements in hand tools and particularly band tools which have reversible work functions. The invention further relates to a reversible tool which has a handle which slides along a shaft enabling the tool to be operated on one mode and then reversed to a second working mode without removing the handle from the shaft. The invention Anther relates to a hand tool which has improved functionality, is convenient to use and which can be locked into one or other working mode. The invention also provides a reversible tool in which a handle is retained on the shaft as it slides along the shaft to adopt separate work modes. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    There are in existence a variety of hand tools which are each designed for performance of specific functions. Typically, these devices are held by a user for manual operation of their work function. A commonly used work tool is a screw driver. The working end of the screw driver is selected according to the compatibility with the bead of the screw that the tool is used with. 
         [0003]    Over the years, various types of combination pocket tools have been provided using a handle for holding a shaft having different tools, bits or tool drives on each end. Some tools have had a combination of tools of different types or sizes. 
         [0004]    The combination hand tools have been provided to enable a user to select different working ends removing the need to carry two tools for two different work purposes. The known reversible tools include a handle and a shank that bas a working end, such as a screwdriver blade integrally formed at one end. Another working formation may be integrally formed on the opposite end of the shank. A detent located on the shaft, secures the tool or the tool drive within a cavity in            
         [0005]    By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,493 discloses a combination pocket tool which has a shank and a handle. The shank has a tool at one end and a tool drive at the other end. The handle has a steel sleeve embedded within a hollow cavity. A first detent on the tool drive secures the tool or the tool drive within the cavity of the handle. A second detent on the tool drive assists in securing the tool drive within the cavity or secures a detachable tool to the tool drive. In this case the handle must be removed to expose the second alternative working end then replaced onto the shank. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,429 discloses a fastener driving tool insert. In order to enhance the effectiveness of a tool for driving a fastener in a clockwise and/or counter clockwise direction, the tool includes a fastener engaging portion, a rotational movement imparting portion, and a releasable retaining portion. The fastener engaging portion is adapted to engage a fastener for clockwise and/or counter clockwise driven movement in response to rotational movement of the fastener engaging portion. The rotational movement imparting portion is adapted to impart rotational movement to the fastener engaging portion to thereby impart driven movement of the fastener in the clockwise and/or counter clockwise direction. The releasably retaining portion is, adapted to releasably retain the fastener engaging portion in operative relationship with the rotational movement imparting portion. 
         [0007]    Conventional screw drivers are generally configured to have a keystone tip or a Phillips head tip of a unitary size. Hence, in use, it is necessary to select the type of screwdriver suitable for use in driving screws of different sizes. In the past attempts have been made to improve on the unitary function and practicality of conventional drivers. The reversible screwdrivers typically have a handle having a shank fixedly provided at its front end and with an interior fitted with a pull handle having a compartment containing a plurality of working bits. The compartment of the pull handle is provided for keeping a plurality of bits of various specifications and sizes. The user may pick out a suitable bit and insert it            
         [0008]    Although these screwdriver structures can achieve their respective intended purposes, they have some drawbacks. Although the screwdriver is provided with a plurality of bits to improve its practicality, it is not efficient in moving from one working configuration to another working configuration. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,271 discloses a dual purpose ratchet screwdriver including a handle having a chamber in its interior for accommodating a ratchet mechanism, a drive sleeve of the ratchet mechanism being provided to cooperate with a transmission shaft inserted through a hole of the handle. The transmission shaft has a bit at either end, the bit at one end of the transmission shaft being utilized as a structural element for power transmission while the bit at the other end is used to drive a screw. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,622 discloses a hand tool with a reversible shaft. The tool comprises a hollow handle accommodating a reversible shaft with a different functionality at each end. The first end of the shaft is configured with an integral telescoping magnetic pick up tool, and a second end of the shaft is adapted to receive modular double-ended screwdriver bits. The reversible shaft is retained within the handle by a conventional spring loaded ball configuration located at the mid-point of the shaft and is prevented from rotating within the handle by preferably two wings projecting radially outwardly from the shaft. The spring loaded ball and the two wings are retained within a corresponding recess and two co-operating slots, respectively. The recess and slots are defined in a metal sleeve molded into the handle. 
         [0011]    Screwdrivers with a shaft adapted to retain modular bits which are stored in either the handle or the shaft are well known. Similarly, screwdrivers with modular shafts for different types of screws which are stored in the handle are also well known. 
         [0012]    The shaft is interchangeably positionable within the handle in either one of a first position where a first end of the shaft locates within the handle and a second end of said shaft projects outwardly from the handle. A second end of the shaft is adapted to receive screwdriver bits, and a second position where said second end of said shaft locates within said handle and said first end of said shaft projects outwardly from the handle. A hollow handle accommodates a reversible shaft with a different functionality at each end. The reversible shaft is retained within the handle by any suitable means, such as a conventional spring loaded ball preferably located at the mid-point of the shaft and is prevented from rotating within the handle by preferably two wings projecting radially outwardly from the shaft. 
         [0013]    To change the function of the tool from a screwdriver to a telescoping tool, the user need only pull out the reversible shaft and re-insert it with the tool facing outward. The cylindrical opening can accommodate the shaft with the screwdriver bit, so that the user does not necessarily have to remove the bit from the shaft and store it before changing functionalities. 
         [0014]    There is a need to provide improvements in the known hand tools to increase efficiency of operation and to provide more convenient options for users. 
       INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention seeks to ameliorate the above disadvantages of the prior art by providing an improved hand tool which is more convenient to use that the known reversible band tools. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides a hand tool which has reversible work functions. The invention further relates to a reversible tool which has a handle which slides along a shaft enabling the tool to be operated on one mode and then reversed to a second working mode without removing the handle from the shaft. The            
         [0017]    In its broadest form the present invention comprises: 
         [0018]    a reversible hand operated work tool having a co-operating handle and shaft including work ends at oppose ends of the shaft; wherein the hand tool can be changed from one working mode to another working mode without removal of the handle from the shaft. 
         [0019]    In one broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0020]    a hand operated tool comprising: 
         [0021]    a shaft having first and second working ends; 
         [0022]    the handle connected to the shaft and capable of movement relative to the shaft; 
         [0023]    wherein the handle and shaft co operate to allow the handle to move along the shaft between a first working position which allows the first working end to be used while the user grips the handle and a second working position which allows the second working end to be used while the user grips the handle; 
         [0024]    and wherein the handle is retained on the shaft while the tool moves between the first and second working positions. 
         [0025]    According to a preferred embodiment, the handle and shaft are concentric. 
         [0026]    According to a farther embodiment, the handle is lockable to prevent relative movement between the shaft and the handle when either the first or second working positions have been selected. 
         [0027]    The handle preferably comprises first and second sleeve members which are retained concentrically along the shaft and which engage a locking assembly. According to a preferred embodiment the locking assembly preferably comprises an inner bearing which receives the shaft, a retaining member which retains the inner bearing and a housing. The retaining member includes a locking arm which extends from the housing and allows the retaining member to co operate with the bearing to move the beating between a first mode of locking engagement with the shaft and a second unlocked mode in which the bearing allows relative movement between the shaft and locking assembly. The shaft according to one embodiment has a flat surface which co operates with the locking arm to effect locking as required. Locking prevents relative axial            
         [0028]    According to a preferred embodiment, the locking assembly receives a pivot pin which is anchored in either one or both of the sleeve members of the handle and allows the locking assembly to pivot about the pin (up and down), so it moves between the locking and unlocked modes. 
         [0029]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0030]    a locking assembly for a hand operated tool comprising: 
         [0031]    a shaft having first and second working ends; 
         [0032]    the handle connected to the shaft and capable of movement relative to the shaft; 
         [0033]    wherein the handle and shaft co operate to allow the handle to move along the shaft between a first working position which allows the first working end to be used while the user grips the handle and a second working position which allows the second working end to be used while the user grips the handle; 
         [0034]    and wherein the handle is retained on the shaft while the tool moves between the first and second working positions; the locking assembly comprising a retaining member which allows the handle assembly to be selectively locked to the shaft by rotation of the retaining member about a pivot pin connected to the handle thereby allow the locking assembly to be moved between a locked mode and unlocked mode. Preferably the handle is prevented from relative rotation about the shaft and the shaft is fully retained on the shaft. 
         [0035]    According to a preferred embodiment, the handle and shaft are concentric. According to a further embodiment, the handle is lockable to prevent relative axial movement between the shaft and the handle when either the first or second working positions have, been selected. 
         [0036]    At each end of the shaft is a working formation such as but not limited to a screw driver head such as a Phillips head or other working formation such as a flat head screw driver, allen key (male or female), a torx formation. Different functionality can be provided at each end and used interchangeably by sliding the handle along the shaft to one end or the other. This is quite different from the prior art in that no part of the assembly need be removed and replaced to change from one working mode to another working mode.           shaft to alter the torque which can be applied to the working end. 
         [0037]    For convenience, the specification will refer to “screwdrivers”, but it should be clearly understood that the invention is applicable to various reversible hand tools having a handle which moves relative to a shaft between two working positions and which can have a variety of working ends which can include socket and spanner profiles. 
         [0038]    These and other objects of this invention, which will become more apparent upon consideration of the attached claims and drawings and of the following detailed description, are provided in accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention illustrated by an assembly which enables 
         [0039]    Although the invention will be predominantly described with reference to its application to a reversible screw driver, it will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that the invention has a wide variety of applications and with different working ends beyond those to be described by way of example. For example the invention can be adapted as a child&#39;s toy manufactured from such materials as but not limited to plastics and polystyrene. 
         [0040]    The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS  illustrations. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a side elevation view of a reversible hand tool according to a preferred embodiment with the handle set at one end and opposite a first working end. 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  shows the hand tool of  FIG. 1  with the handle in an intermediate position along the shaft between the first and second working ends. 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  shows the tool of  FIG. 1  with the handle set at the first working end to enable use of the tool at the second working end. 
           [0044]      FIG. 3   a  shows a cross section of the shaft. 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view through the handle and locking assembly according to a preferred embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 5   a - h  shows an end elevation view of the locking assembly moving from a locked mode in which the shaft is engaged with the bearing through various stages to an unlocked mode in which the shaft is disengaged from the bearing. 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of a locking assembly showing the range of movement of the bearing, retainer and anchor pin. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  shows a hand tool similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-3  but with an alternative locking arrangement. 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  shows the handle assembly of  FIG. 7  moved out of locking engagement with the shaft and moved in the direction of an opposite end. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  shows the handle assembly of  FIG. 7  locked at one end via a locking assembly. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  shows according to one embodiment an end view of a handle assembly which includes a retaining disc which prevents extension of a shaft beyond the handle. 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 11  with retaining disc obstructing the shaft covering. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a reversible hand tool according to a preferred embodiment with the handle set at one end and opposite a first working end. 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  shows the tool of  FIG. 1.2  with the handle set at an opposite end to enable use of the tool at a second working end. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  shows a shaft isolated from a handle. 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  shows the shaft of  FIG. 15  rotated ninety degrees. 
           [0057]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the locking assembly engaging the shaft with handle removed for clarity. 
           [0058]      FIG. 18  shows a cross sectional view of the locking assembly co operating with the shaft in the unlocked mode. 
           [0059]      FIG. 19  shows a long sectional view of an assembled work tool according to one embodiment 
           [0060]      FIG. 20  shows with corresponding numbering the tool of  FIG. 19  rotated 90 degrees. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0061]    It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to its application to a screw driver but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and may be adapted to alternative constructions. The assembly described herein has advantages over the known art including improved efficiency. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a side elevation view of a reversible hand tool  1  according to a preferred embodiment. Tool  1  includes handle assembly  2  which is adapted to slide along shaft  3  enabling handle  4  to be set at one end  5  of shaft  3 , creating at opposite end  6  a first working formation  7 . 
         [0063]    Handle assembly  2  is connected concentrically to shaft  3  and includes a through passage  8  which allows travel of handle  4  along shaft  3 . Handle assembly  2  co operates with shaft  3  to allow the handle  4  to move along the shaft, between a first position at end  5  which allows formation  7  of working end  6  to be used while the user grips the handle  4  and a second position  9  (see  FIG. 3 ) which allows the second working formation  10  at end  5  end to be used while the user grips the handle  4 . Handle  4  and shaft  3  are concentric. According to a preferred           have been selected. Stop  15  is employed to ensure handle  4  does not release from shaft  3 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 2  shows with corresponding numbering the hand tool  1  of  FIG. 1  with the handle assembly  2  in an intermediate position  11  along the shaft  3  between the first and second working ends  5 ,  6 .  FIG. 3  shows the tool of  FIG. 1  with the handle  4  set at the end  6  to enable use of the formation  10  at end  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3  shaft  3  includes abbreviations  12  and  13  which allow a locking assembly  22  to engage shaft  3  for the purpose of locking the handle assembly  2  opposite the respective working ends  5  and  6 . The handle assembly  2  preferably comprises a locking assembly  22 .  FIG. 3   a  shows a cross section of the shaft  3 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view through the handle and locking assembly according to one embodiment. Locking assembly  22  preferably comprises an inner bearing  23  which receives the shaft  3  via opening  24 . A retaining member  25  retains the inner bearing  23 . Both retaining member  25  and bearing  23  are retained in housing  26 . Retaining member  25  is retained by a pivot pin  27  and is capable of rotation thereabout. This allows the retaining member  25  to move up and down. The retaining member  25  includes a locking actuator  28  which extends from the housing  26  and allows the retaining member  25  to co operate with the bearing  23  to move the bearing  23  between a locking mode in which shaft  3  engages locking recess  29  and an unlocked mode in which shaft  3  is located in opening  24  and the bearing allows shaft  3  to travel relative to locking assembly  22 . Bearing  23  allows relative axial movement between the shaft  3  and locking assembly  22  thereby enabling handle assembly  2  to slide along shaft  3 . Pivot pin  27  is anchored in one or both of the sleeve members  20  or  21  of the handle  4  and allows the locking assembly  22  to pivot about the pin  27  so it moves between the locking and unlocked modes as required by an operator. 
         [0066]    At each end of the shaft  3  working formations  7  and  10  are respectively a flat head screw driver and Phillips head but it will be appreciated that other working formations (not shown) may be employed. Different functionality can be selected positions along the shaft  3  to alter the torque which can be applied to The working end as required. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 5   a - h  shows with corresponding numbering an end elevation view of the locking assembly  22  of  FIG. 4  as it moves from a locked mode in which the shaft  3  is engaged with the bearing  23  through various stages to an unlocked mode in which the shaft is disengaged from the bearing  23  and is free for axial travel in opening  24 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of a locking assembly showing the range of movement of the bearing  23 , retainer  25  and anchor pin  27 . Bearing  23  allows the contact surfaces to remain horizontal. An elongated opening about the pivot pin makes this possible. 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  shows a hand tool  30  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-3  but with an alternative locking arrangement. Tool  30  includes handle assembly  31  which is adapted to slide along shaft  32  enabling handle  34  to be set at one end  35  of shaft  32 , creating at opposite end  36  a first working formation  37 . 
         [0070]    Handle assembly  31  is connected concentrically to shaft  32  and includes a through passage  38  which allows travel of handle  34  along shaft  32 . Handle assembly  31  co operates with shaft  32  to allow the handle  34  to move along the shaft  32  between a fast position which allows formation  37  of end  36  to be used while the user grips the handle  34  and a second position (see  FIG. 9 ) which allows the second working formation  39  at end  35  to be used while the user grips the handle  34 . Handle  34  and shaft  32  are concentric. Handle  34  is lockable to prevent relative movement between the shaft  32  and the handle  34  when either the first or second working positions have been selected. Locking assembly  40  comprises a pawl  41  terminating in tang  42  pivotally attached to handle  34  via pin  45 .  FIG. 7  shows locking assembly  40  in locking engagement with shaft  32  as tang  42  is in engagement with recess  43  of shaft  32 . Moon shaped discs  48  and  49  operate to prevent release of the handle assembly  31  releasing from shaft  32 .           shaft  32  and moved in the direction of end  36 .  FIG. 9  shows the handle assembly  31  locked at end  36  via locking assembly  40 . Tang  42  is shown engaging recess  44  of shaft  32  to lock handle assembly  31 . Handle assembly  31  can be simply relocated along shaft to either end depending upon which working end is required. In this embodiment, handle assembly  31  can be removed from shaft if required but removal from shaft  32  is not essential to change to the opposite working end of shaft  32 . 
         [0071]    As a measure of user safety according to a preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is provided at end  50  of handle  51  a spring loaded disc which acts to prevent unwanted movement of shaft  52  axially beyond the end of handle  51 . Disc  53  is biased under the action of spring  54  to urge disc  53  over the end of shaft  52  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Such protection may be provided at either rend of handle  51  as required. This will provide user safety and in particular a safeguard against the shaft stabbing the users hand. 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 12  there is shown a side elevation view of a reversible hand tool  60  according to a preferred embodiment Tool  60  includes handle assembly  61  which is adapted to slide along shaft  62  enabling handle.  63  to be set at one endue of shaft  62 , creating at opposite end  65  a first working formation  66 . Handle assembly  61  is connected concentrically to shaft  62  and includes a through passage  67  which allows travel of handle  63  along shaft  62 . Handle assembly  61  co operates with shaft  62  to allow the handle  63  to move along the shaft  62  between a first position at end  64  which allows formation  66  of working end  65  to be used while the user grips the handle  63  and a second position (see  FIG. 3 ) which allows the second working formation  68  at end  64  end to be used while the user grips the handle  63 . Handle  63  and shaft  62  are concentric. According to a preferred embodiment, the handle  63  is lockable to prevent relative movement between the shaft  62  and the handle assembly  63  when either the first or second working positions  64  or  65  have been selected. Stop  69  of end cap  70  and stop  71  of end cap  72  are employed to ensure handle  63  does not release from shaft  62 .           with the handle assembly  61  in an intermediate position  73  along the shaft  62  between the first and second working ends  64  and  65 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  shows the tool of  FIG. 12  with the handle  61  set at the end  65  to enable use of the formation  68  at end  64 . As shown in  FIGS. 12-14  shaft  62  includes abbreviations  74  (see  FIGS. 12) and 75  which allow a locking assembly  76  to engage shaft  62  for the purpose of locking the handle assembly  76  opposite the respective working ends  64  and  65 . The handle assembly  76  is retained concentrically along the shaft  62  and which engage a locking assembly  73 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 15  shows a side elevation of a typical shaft  80  isolated from a handle assembly according to one embodiment. Shalt  80  comprises a first end  81  with a working formation  82  and a second end  83  with a working formation  84 . Intermediate ends  81  and  83  is a profile part or formation  85  which is configured to receive a handle such as handle  63  shown in  FIG. 13  and, enables handle  63  to be selectively and slideably retained on shaft  80 . Formation  85  includes a longitudinal recess  86  and slots  87  and  88 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 16  shows with corresponding numbering the shaft  80  of  FIG. 15  rotated 90 degrees includes a longitudinal recess  86  and slots  87  and  88 . Longitudinal recess  86  of formation  85  enables engagement with a corresponding profile of a handle (not shown) to enable the handle to be selectively moved along shaft  80 . Slots  87  and  88  receive the actuating member  98  (see  FIG. 18 ) to restrain the handle from movement relative to shaft  80  depending upon the end selected for the handle. If working end  81  is to be used the actuating member of the locking assembly  73  will engage slot  88 . Likewise, if working end  83  is to be used, the actuating member  98  of the locking assembly  73  will engage slot  87 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 17  shows with corresponding numbering a perspective view of a shaft  80  incorporating a locking assembly  90  when isolated from a handle assembly. Locking assembly  90  is mounted on sleeve  91  which is capable of sliding along           Saddle  94  is capable of moving circumferentially relative to housing  95  to enable locking and unlocking of sleeve  91  about shaft  80  so that a handle can be selectively restrained from movement relative to shaft  80 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  shows a sectional view of locking assembly  90  engaging shaft  80 . Assembly  90  includes locking member  92  having a formation  93  which is engageable by a users finger and which is connected to a saddle  94 . Saddle  94  is capable of moving circumferentially relative to housing  95  to enable locking and unlocking of housing  95  and sleeve  91  (see  FIG. 17 ) about shaft  80  so that a handle can be selectively restrained from movement relative to shaft  80 . Locking member  92  includes a recess  96  which engages tab  97  of actuating member  98 . Actuating member  98  is pivotally attached via pivot hinge  99  and terminates in engaging arm  100 . Engaging arm  100  engages shaft  80  which moves within slot  101  as actuating member  98  rotates about pivot hinge  99 . As actuating member  98  rotates towards shaft  80 , shaft  80  is urged into slot  101  and profiles  102 ,  103  and  104  of slot  101  engages corresponding slots  87  and  88  (see  FIG. 15 ) shaft  80  to capture shaft  80  and prevent movement of the housing  95  along the shaft. Since the assembly  90  is mounted on the handle the handle is prevented from axial sliding along shaft  80 . The locking assembly includes a spring bias which urges the actuating member away from engagement with the shaft  80  so that the locking assembly is naturally biased to the unlocked position. Alternatively the actuating member can be biased to the locked position by spring loading. To enable the handle to transfer applied torque to the shaft, a keyway is provided on the shaft to prevent any relative movement between the shaft and the handle. 
         [0078]      FIG. 19  shows a long sectional view of an assembled work tool  1  to according to one embodiment. Tool  110  includes handle assembly  111  which is adapted to slide along shaft  112  enabling handle  113  to be set at one end  114  of shaft  112 , creating at opposite end  115  a first working formation  116 . Handle assembly  111  is connected concentrically to shaft  112  and includes a through passage  117  which allows travel of handle  113  along shaft  112 . Handle assembly  111  co operates with shaft  112  to allow the handle  113  to move along the shaft between concentric. According to a preferred embodiment, the handle  113  is lockable to prevent relative movement between the shaft  112  and the handle  113  when either The first or second working positions at ends  114  or  119  of shaft  112  are selected. Stop  120  is employed to ensure shaft  112  does not release from handle  113 . 
         [0079]    Assembly handle assembly  111  includes locking assembly  121 . Assembly  121  includes a locking member  122  having a formation  123  which is engageable by a users finger and which is connected to a saddle  124 . Saddle  124  capable of moving circumferentially to enable locking and unlocking of handle assembly  111  about shaft  112  so that a handle can be selectively restrained from movement relative to shaft  112 . As locking member  124  is rotated actuating member  123  rotates towards shaft  112 , shaft  112  is urged into,slot  128  thereby preventing handle from sliding along shaft  112 . Shaft  112  comprises a first end working formation  125  and second end working formation  118 . Intermediate ends  125  and  119  is a profile part or formation  126  which is configured to receive handle  113  to be selectively and slideably retained on shaft  112 . Once the locking assembly  121  is engaged, shaft  112  is prevented from axial movement relative to handle  113 , by engagement between locking assembly  121  and slot  128 . Handle  113  is prevented from relative rotation about shaft  112  by a keyway in locking assembly  121 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 20  shows with corresponding numbering the tool of  FIG. 19  rotated 90 degrees. Formation  126  includes a longitudinal recess  127  and slots  128  and  129 . Slots  128  and  129  allow retention of handle  113  against shaft  112 . Formation  126  which is configured to receive handle  113  enables the handle to be selectively and slideably retained on shaft  112 . End  125  of shaft  112  is shown terminated short of end  114  of handle  113 . This shaft  112  can penetrate beyond end cap  120  as handle  113  is moved towards end  119  when the tool is to be reversed. Also, handle  113  can be positioned on shaft  112  so that end  125  stops short of or abuts end cap  120 . 
         [0081]    In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 21 , the working end of the shaft may be adapted with an adjustable working end which enables the embodiment. Tool  130  includes handle assembly  131  which is adapted to slide along shaft  132  enabling handle  133  to be set at one end  134  of shaft  132 , creating at opposite end  135  a working formation  136 . Handle assembly  131  is connected concentrically to shaft  132  and is capable of travel therealong. Handle assembly  131  co operates with shaft  132  to allow the handle  133  to move along the shaft  132  between a first position at end  134  and a second position at end  137 . Working end  137  is used while a user grips the handle  133 . 
         [0082]    According to a preferred embodiment, the handle  133  is lockable to prevent relative movement between the shaft  132  and the handle assembly  133  when either the first or second ends  134  or  137  have been selected. Stop  139  of end cap  140  is employed to ensure handle  133  does not release from shaft  132  beyond handle  133 . End  137  is characterised in that it comprises a reversible working head  141  mounted on shaft  132 . Head  141  comprises a working tip  142  mounted on pivot hinge  143 . Shaft  132  has a bifurcated portion  146  which receives and retains working tip  142  such that working tip  142  can rotate either through 180 degrees or through 360 degrees about pivot hinge  143  thereby allowing a user to select alternative working end profiles  144  and  145 . In an alternative embodiment, working tip  142  may be adapted for release from recess  147  defined by bifurcated portion  146  so that a user can extract (pull out) working tip  142  and reverse it so that working profile  145  is inserted in recess  147  and profile  144  is presented as the working formation. In this latter embodiment, the profile of working tip  142  is shaped to ensure a key in lock co-operation with recess  147  to ensure there is no relative rotation between working tip  142  and shaft  132  when a user applies torque to the tool. The above arrangements described in  FIG. 21  may be adapted at either end of shaft  132  so that the user has according to one embodiment, up to four working profile options to choose from. 
         [0083]    The embodiments previously described are examples only and it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the configuration may be adjusted to accommodate a work tool assembly of different sizes, modes of operation, and configurations. For example the shaft may have a hexagonal, polygonal or other cross section at tis opposite end. The present invention obviates the disadvantages of the prior art and provides other advantages which are apparent from the description herein. In certain cases the invention will be adapted to accommodate prescribed requirements and applications. 
         [0084]    It will be further appreciated that the work tool described herein, can be manufactured with a variety of working end options. For instance the profile part on the shaft which forms each working end, can be selected from a variety of working formations. For example, a work tool may incorporate on one work end a flat end screw driver and at its other end a Phillips head screw driver. Alternatively, the working ends may be selected from male or female allen keys of the same or different sizes or and any combination of those along with a flat end or Phillips head end. Each worms end formation may be provided in different sizes. 
         [0085]    It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described. 
         [0086]    It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.