Improvements in and connected with Screwdrivers.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Screwdrivers.
MATTHEW WYATT, Gentleman, C/o. Mrs. A. T. Wyatt, Albion Cottage, Ramsgate,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
For the straight handle of the ordinary screwdriver I substitute a loop of metal
or other gaterial, of convenient size and shape to admit a firm grip by the hand
on a plain cross-handle similar to that of an ordinary corkscrew. To the straight
bar or shank which in the present form of screwdriver terminates in the
sharpened edge which enters the notch of the screw-head I affix at a certain
position on the said straight bar or shank a moveable sleeve of hard wood or
other suitable material which is prevented from moveing along the said bar or
shank, in a downward direction by a suitable flange or stop fitted, if required with
friction minimising bearings. Instead of the usual termination in a single
sharpened edge I affix an appliance for holding "bits" adapted to screws of
various sizes and also keys or spanners for for acting on screws and nuts not
otherwise easily to be got at. This appliance is similar to those at present in use
for holding bradawls and other interchangeable tools. The tools being held by
jaws squeezed upon them by side screw, screw-ring or a spring with releasing stud.
As an addition to these contrivances and for the purpose keeping the sharp edge
of the bit in proper position in the notch on the screw-head I slip over the lower
portion of the bar, or shank, a metal tube of the same diameter as the screw to
be drawn. The main advantages which I claim for my invention are; greatly
increased power of twisting, through the peculiar form of handle, and the aid
afforded by the very substantial grip obtainable on the independently acting
sleeve, which may be roughened to improve the hand-grip, in exerting or modify-
ing downward pressure on the screw it is desired to extract.
Improvements in and connected with Screwdrivers.
MATTHEW WYATT, Gentleman, C/o. Mr. Charles Saunders, Chemist, High Street,
St. Lawrence, Thanet, Kent, late care of Mrs. A. T. Wyatt, Albion Cottage,
Ramsgate, Kent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
For the ordinary handle in line with the axis of the tool, I substitute a loop
of metal, or a solid piece of hard wood, metal bone, ivory or other suitable material,

page_text: placed crosswise like the handle of an ordinary gimlet-see drawing Fig. 1. To
the straight bar or shank which in the screwdriver now in vogue terminates in
the sharpened edge which enters the notch of the screw-head I place at a con-
venient position on the said bar or shank a moveable sleeve or jacket, a, Fig. 1,
the same being prevented from moving along the said bar by suitable stops, bb,
Fig. 1. The object of this sleeve is to enable one hand to grasp and apply a steady
and firm pressure to the tool whilst the other hand turns it by means of the
cross-handle. I propose also where it may be desirable to vary the size of the
screwdriver to suit a larger or smaller screw, to enlarge, and thicken the end C,
Fig. 2 so that it may be sufficiently strong to receive and hold the interchange-
able bits Fig. 4 in a socket provided for the purpose. Tools in the nature of
spanners for turning small nuts sunk or otherwise and also gimlets and awls
may be thus conveniently used. The enlargement or boss may form one piece
with the shank or may be made to fit on to the end of the shank and be taken on
and off at pleasure. As an addition to these contrivances and for the purpose of
keeping the sharp edge of the screwdriver in its proper position in the notch of
the screw-head a, Fig. 3, I slip over the turnscrew bit where practicable, a metal
tube of the same diameter as the screw to be driven in or extracted 6 Fig. 3.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
Novelty in the form of the handle, and in the application of the moveable
sleeve, the tube to encompass the screw-head, and the boss or enlargement or
attachment to enable a screwdriver to be made available for driving and extracting
screws of various sizes and also in many cases for turning nuts and the like, as
described in the descriptive portion of this specification.
T11: 011 3 . 1000