Patent ID: 12251799

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS.1-10, a reversible, multiple-bit, hand tool10is shown for driving threaded fasteners and nuts. As best seen inFIG.1-4, the hand tool10includes a handle12and a reversible tool holder assembly14. As best seen inFIGS.4and5, the handle12includes a body portion16and a hollow bore18that extends partially through the body portion16, with the body portion16and hollow bore18centered on a longitudinal axis19. The reversible tool holder assembly14is insertable into the hollow bore18in either of two orientations to present two different ends, shown generally at20A and20B, extending from the handle12to provide multiple different configurations for driving different types of threaded fasteners and nuts. In both orientations, the assembly14is centered on the axis19.

As best seen inFIG.5, in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the body portion16of the handle12includes a rigid body22, a grip24, and a collet26. The rigid body22is molded from a suitable material, typically a suitable plastic and includes a stepped cylindrical bore28that defines part of the hollow bore18. The grip24overlays an outer surface of the body22is also molded from a suitable material, typically a suitable rubber material. The collet26is formed from a suitable metal, typically a suitable stainless steel and is preferably permanently fixed in the handle12via a press fit and/or bonding with the rigid body22to rotatably couple the collet26to the body22. In this regard the collet26may also include a knurling on an outer surface to provide a further rotational couple with the body22. The collet26includes an inwardly facing cylindrical surface30that defines a portion of the hollow bore18, with a pair of axially extending grooves32, each of which serves as an anti-rotation feature that transfers torque to the tool holder assembly14and rotatably couples the handle12with the assembly14. The collet26and the surface30are centered on the axis19.

As best seen inFIG.6, the reversible tool holder assembly14includes a reversible adapter barrel38, a first tool holder40, a second tool holder42, a first reversible bit holder44, a second reversible bit holder46, and three reversible tool bits48A,48B, and48C, and one non-reversible tool bit50. Each of the components38,40,42,44,46,48A-C, and50are made from a suitable material, and will typical be a metallic material, such a suitable steel or stainless steel. As will be discussed in more detail below, the reversible adapter barrel38can be releasably engaged in the hollow bore18of the handle12in two different orientations to extend opposite ends of the barrel38from the handle12, each of the reversible bit holders44and46can be releasably engaged in a corresponding one of the tool holders40and42in two different orientations to extend opposite ends of the bit holders44and46from the corresponding one of the tool holders40and42, and each of the reversible tool bits48A-C can be releasably engaged in either of the bit holders44and46in two different orientations to extend opposite ends of each tool bit48A-C from the bit holders44and46. It should be noted thatFIGS.1-4and7show each of the components38,40,42,44,46, and48A-C in one of their orientations andFIG.8shows each of the components38,40,42,44,46, and48A-C reversed in their other orientation, with the assembly14shown in one orientation inFIGS.1-4and7and in a reversed orientation inFIG.8. In all of these orientations, the components38,40,42,44,46,48A-C, and50are centered on the axis19.

Each of the bit holders44and46can be completely removed from each of the tool holders40and42to allow each of the tool holders40and42to be selectively used as a nut driver with the assembly14inserted in either orientation in the handle12. Advantageously, each of the tool holders40and42can be removed from the adapter barrel38and used separately as a power bit driver or a power nut driver (PND) that is received in any conventional chuck of a powered rotary tool. In this regard, it is preferred that each of the tool holders40and42, each of the bit holders44and46, and each of the tool bits48A-C and50be configured and made of materials suitable for impact ratings so that they can be driven by an power rotary impact driver.

All of the foregoing features allow for a user to selectively arrange the hand tool10in multiple different configurations, with each of the configurations being adapted and/or optimized for a particular type of threaded fastener or nut.

Turning to a more detailed description of the illustrated and preferred embodiments of each of the components of the assembly14, as best seen inFIG.4, the reversible adapter barrel38extends longitudinally along the axis19from a first adapter end52to a second adapter end54, with a first adaptor socket56formed in the end52and a second adaptor socket58formed in the end54. In preferred embodiment, each of the sockets56and58includes a drive cavity60having a hexagonally shaped cross-section centered on the axis19for driving engagement with either of the tool holders40and42. In illustrated and preferred embodiments, the cavity60is configured to transfer a drive torque (drive) a standard ¼ hexagonal bit driver shank. The adapter barrel38includes a cylindrical outer surface62centered on the axis19and that is a close fit with the cylindrical surface30of the collet26, with a pair of axially extending ribs63formed on the surface62, with each of the ribs63engaged in one of the grooves32in the collet26to rotationally couple the adapter to the collet26and the handle12so that torque can be transferred from the handle12to the adapter barrel38and the rest of the assembly14. As mentioned above, the adaptor barrel38can be releasably engaged in the hollow bore18in either of a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the end52extends out from the handle12and the end54extends into the handle, with the wings64engaged in the grooves32. In the second orientation, the end54extends out from the handle12and the end52extends into the handle12, again with the wings64engaged in the grooves32. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the barrel38further includes a spring-loaded ball detent64that releasably engages an recess/bore66in the collet26to resist removal of the barrel38and assembly14from the handle12. It should be noted that in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the barrel38is symmetric about a transverse axis that extends through the ball detent64.

The first tool holder40extends longitudinally along the axis19from a first shank end66to a first socket end68. The tool holder40includes a first shank70extending longitudinally from the end66toward the end68, and a first tool socket72extending longitudinally along the axis19from the end68toward the end66. The second tool holder42extends longitudinally along the axis19from a second shank end76to a second socket end78. The tool holder42includes a second shank80extending longitudinally from the end76toward the end78, and a second tool socket82extending longitudinally along the axis19from the end78toward the end76. As best seen inFIG.6, in the illustrated and preferred embodiments, the shanks70and80are identical to each other, and each of the shanks70and80has an exterior surface84defining a ¼ hexagonal cross-section and is configured to be received in a conventional chuck of a powered rotary tool. In this regard, each of the shanks70and80includes an annular concave groove86, as is often typical for power bit drivers and/or power nut drivers, that can be engaged by a detent or other retention feature provided by the handle of a hand tool or the chuck of a powered rotary tool. Additionally, in the preferred embodiments, each of the shanks70and80includes a plurality of detent notches88each of with is configured to closely conform to an engagement tip90of a detent pin92(best seen inFIG.7) provided in each of the adaptor sockets56and58to provide a more accurate and positive releasable retention of the shanks70and80in the sockets56and58. In this regard, each of the detent pins92is guided for translation in a detent through bore94provided in each of the sockets56and58, with a helical spring94wrapped around an exterior of the corresponding socket56,58and engaging a head of the pin92to bias the pin92into engagement with corresponding notch88. In the illustrated and preferred embodiments, the first tool socket72is configured to serve as a first sized nut driver72, and the second tool socket82is configured to serve as a second sized nut driver82that is a different size than the first sized nut driver. In the illustrated and highly preferred embodiment, the first sized nut driver72is configured to drive a ⅜ inch hex nut with an interior surface96that defines a hexagonal cross-section, the second sized nut driver is configured to drive a 5/16 inch hex nut with an interior surface98that defines a hexagonal cross-section, the first reversible bit holder44has an outer surface100(best seen inFIG.6) defining a ⅜ inch hexagonal cross-section that conforms to the surface96, and the second reversible bit holder46has an outer surface102(best seen inFIG.6) defining a 5/16 inch hexagonal cross-section that conforms to the surface98.

The first reversible bit holder44includes a pair of oppositely opening bit cavities104and106, with each bit cavity104,106configured to releasably receive one of the tool bits48A-C or50. The bit cavities104and106extend longitudinally along the axis19and are centered on the axis19. The bit holder44is releasably engageable in the first tool socket72to rotatably couple the bit holder44to the tool socket72in either one of a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the bit cavity104extends from the tool socket72and in the second orientation the bit cavity106extends from the tool socket72. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, each of the bit cavities104and106define a hexagonal shaped cross-section that is configured to rotatably couple with a hexagonally shaped exterior surface108on each of the tool bits48A-C and50. In this regard, it is preferred that each of the surfaces108define a ¼ inch hexagonal cross-section and that each of the bit cavities104and106have a corresponding shape to receive the surfaces108. As illustrated, it is also preferred that a magnet110be fixed in the bit cavity106to retain the tool bit50in the cavity106via magnetic force. If is further preferred that a spring-loaded ball detent112be provided in a centrally located portion114of the holder44to extend radially outward from one of the flats defined by the surface100to engage a flat defined by the surface96to resist removal of the holder44from the tool socket72.

The second reversible bit holder46includes a pair of oppositely opening bit cavities120and122, with each bit cavity120,122configured to releasably receive one of the tool bits48A-C or50. The bit cavities120and122extend longitudinally along the axis19and are centered on the axis19. The bit holder46is releasably engageable in the second tool socket82to rotatably couple the bit holder46to the tool socket82in either one of a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the bit cavity120extends from the tool socket82and in the second orientation the bit cavity122extends from the tool socket82. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, each of the bit cavities120and122define a hexagonal shaped cross-section that is configured to rotatably couple with a hexagonally shaped exterior surface108on each of the tool bits48A-C and50. As noted above, it is preferred that each of the surfaces108define a¼ inch hexagonal cross-section and that each of the bit cavities120and122have a corresponding shape to receive the surfaces108. As with the bit holder44, it is preferred that a spring-loaded ball detent124be provided in a centrally located portion126of the holder46to extend radially outward from one of the flats defined by the surface102to engage a flat defined by the surface98to resist removal of the holder46from the tool socket82. It should be noted that in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the bit holder46is symmetric about a transverse axis that extends through the ball detent124.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, each of the tool bits48A-C is engageable in each of the bit cavities104,106,120, and122in either of two orientations to present different bit tips/ends extending from the bit cavity104,106,120, and122. In the illustrated and preferred embodiments, each of the tool bits48A-C includes a spring-loaded ball detent127to engage each of the interior surfaces of the bit cavities104,106,120, and122to resist removal of the tool bits48A-C from the bit cavity104,106,120, and122into which it is inserted. The non-reversible tool bit50preferably has a flat end surface130that engages against a flat surface132on the magnet110to provide optimized retention via the magnetic force. While any suitable selection of fastener head engaging tips may be provided on the tool bits48A-C and50, in the illustrated embodiment, the tool bit48A has a flat/blade tip on one end and a Philips head tip on the other end, the tool bit50has a different size Philips head tip on its end, the tool bit48B has a first size square drive on one end and a larger size square drive on the other end, and the tool bit48C has a first size Torx drive on one end and a larger size Torx drive on the other end.

FIGS.11and12shown a slightly modified embodiment of the hand tool10wherein the shanks70and80do not include the detent notches88and the sockets56and58do not include the detent pins92, but do include ball detents (not shown) that engage the grooves86and that are each preloaded by a helical spring150wrapped around an exterior of the corresponding socket56,58.

Preferred embodiments of the inventive concepts are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the inventive concepts. Variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend that the inventive concepts can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, the inventive concepts disclosed herein include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements and features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the inventive concepts unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Further in this regard, while highly preferred forms of the hand tool10are shown in the figures, it should be understood that this disclosure anticipates variations in the specific details of each of the disclosed components and features of the hand tool10and that no limitation to a specific form, configuration, or detail is intended unless expressly and specifically recited in an appended claim.

For example, while specific and preferred forms have been shown for the handle12, other handle constructions may be desired, including for example, handle constructions that do not include a grip24and/or that form the features30and32directly in the ridged body22, or that include different configurations for the features30and32, such as a non-cylindrical bore and/or a different type of anti-rotation feature32. As another example, while specific types of detents have been shown and described herein, in some applications it may be desirable for other types of detents to be used and/or for some or all of the detents to be eliminated. As another example, while the barrel38and the bit holder46have been shown and described as being symmetrical about a transverse axis centered on their respective detents, in some applications it may be desirable for one or both of these components to be non-symmetrical about the respective transverse axis. As another example, while the several components have been shown and described as providing hexagonal cross-sections, in some applications it may be desirable for other cross sections to be provided, such as for example, square cross-sections, triangular cross-sections, or oval cross-sections. Furthermore, while preferred sizes have been described for a number of features (for example, ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, 5/16 inch), other sizes may be desired depending upon the particular application.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventive concepts disclosed herein and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any invention unless expressly claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The following are examples of features that could be claimed from this disclosure. However, it should be understood that the inventive concepts disclosed herein do not require each of the features discussed below or above, may include any combination of the features discussed herein, and may include features not specifically discussed below.

1. A reversible, multiple-bit, hand tool, comprising:

a handle having a body portion that includes a hollow bore formed at least partially through the body portion;

a reversible tool holder assembly insertable into the hollow bore of the body portion of the handle in either of two orientations to present two different ends extending from the handle, the reversible tool holder assembly comprising:a reversible adaptor barrel extending longitudinally from a first adapter end to a second adaptor end, the adaptor barrel including:a first adaptor socket formed in the first adaptor end, anda second adaptor socket formed in the second adapter end, the reversible adaptor barrel releasably engaged in the hollow bore in either of a first orientation and a second orientation, in the first orientation the first adapter end extends out from the handle and the second adaptor end extends into the handle, in the second orientation the second adapter end extends from the handle and the first adaptor end extends into the handle;a first tool holder extending longitudinally from a first shank end to a first socket end, the first tool holder including:a first shank extending from the first shank end toward the first socket end, anda first tool socket extending from the first socket end toward the first shank end, the first shank releasably engageable in at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets to rotatably couple the first tool holder to the reversible adaptor barrel;a second tool holder extending longitudinally from a second shank end to a second socket end, the second tool holder including:a second shank extending from the second shank end toward the second socket end, anda second tool socket extending from the second socket end toward the second shank end, the second shank releasably engageable in at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets to rotatably couple the second tool holder to the reversible adaptor barrel;a first reversible bit holder having a pair of oppositely opening first bit cavities, each first bit cavity adapted to releasably receive a tool bit, the first reversible bit holder releasably engageable in at least one of the first and second tool sockets to rotatably couple the first reversible bit holder to the at least one of the first and second tool sockets in one orientation with one of the oppositely opening first bit cavities extending from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets and in another orientation with the other of the oppositely opening first bit cavities extending from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets; anda second reversible bit holder having a pair of oppositely opening second bit cavities, each second bit cavity adapted to releasably receive a tool bit, the second reversible bit holder releasably engageable in at least one of the first and second tool sockets to rotatably couple the second reversible bit holder to the at least one of the first and second tool sockets in one orientation with one of the oppositely opening second bit cavities extending from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets and in another orientation with the other of the oppositely opening second bit cavities extending from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets.
2. The hand tool of claim f further comprising four tool bits, each of the four tool bits engageable in at least one of first and second bit cavities to rotatably couple the tool bit with the corresponding one of the first and second reversible bit holders.
3. The hand tool of claim2wherein at least one of the four tool bits is a reversible tool bit that is engageable in the at least one of the first and second bit cavities in either of two orientations to present different ends extending from the at least one of the first and second bit cavities.
4. The hand tool of claim3wherein one of the four tool bits is a non-reversible tool bit that is engageable in a single orientation in the at least one of the first and second bit cavities.
5. The hand tool of claim1wherein the first tool socket is configured to serve as a first sized nut driver and the second tool socket is configured to serve as a second sized nut driver, with the second sized nut driver being a different size than the first sized nut driver.
6. The hand tool of claim1wherein the first sized nut driver is configured to drive a ⅜ inch hex nut, the second sized nut driver is configured to drive a 5/16 inch hex nut, the first reversible bit holder has an outer surface defining a ⅜ inch hexagonal cross-section, and the second reversible pit holder has an outer surface defining a 5/16 inch hexagonal cross-section.
7. The hand tool of claim1further comprising a detent mechanism engaged between the hollow bore and the reversible barrel adaptor to resist removal of the reversible barrel adaptor from the hollow bore.
8. The hand tool of claim1further comprising:

a detent mechanism engaged between the first shank and the at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets to resist removal of the first shank from the at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets; and

another detent mechanism engaged between the second shank and the at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets to resist removal of the second shank from the at least one of the first and second adaptor sockets.

9. The hand tool of claim1further comprising:

a detent mechanism engaged between the first reversible bit holder and the at least one of the first and second tool sockets to resist removal of the first reversible bit holder from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets; andanother detent mechanism engaged between the second shank and the at least one of the first and second tool sockets to resist removal of the second reversible bit holder from the at least one of the first and second tool sockets.
10. The hand tool of claim1wherein at least one of the first and second reversible bit holders further comprises a magnet located in one of the bit cavities.
11. The hand tool of claim1wherein each of the shanks has an outer surface defining a ¼ hexagonal cross-section and is configured to be received in a chuck for a powered impact driver.
12. The hand tool of claim1wherein the handle further comprises an insert defining at least part of the hollow bore, the insert engaged with the reversible adapter barrel in both the first and second orientations to rotatably couple the reversible adapter barrel with the handle.