Patent ID: 12202103

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1and2illustrate a powered screwdriver.FIG.1is a side view of the screwdriver10andFIG.2is a side view of the screwdriver10with one housing half removed. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the powered screwdriver10includes a handle12. It also includes a trigger13which a user can depress to actuate the motor20, which in turn drives a hex bit holder30. In this case, the hex bit holder30is a hex bit holder, which holds standard hex screwdriver bits, such as screwdriver bit25shown inFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.2, the screwdriver10includes a rechargeable battery40. The rechargeable battery40provides power to the motor20when the trigger13is depressed. The screwdriver also includes a transmission50between the hex bit holder30.

FIG.3illustrates a prior art bit holder extender27. As is well known, the bit holder extender27can be inserted into the hex bit holder30. The bit holder extender27includes a hex bit holder at a front end to receive a bit. Accordingly, a hex screwdriver bit25can be inserted into the bit holder extender27so that the reach is extended.

Powered screwdrivers are well known in the art and are shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,772,765; 6,273,200; 6,467,556; 8,047,100; 10,166,668; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0203821. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,772,765; 6,273,200; 6,467,556; 8,047,100; 10,166,668; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0203821 are each herein incorporated by reference by their entirety. The exemplary embodiments of tool holders described below may be incorporated into the screwdriver10shown inFIGS.1and2or similarly used with or incorporated into various of the powered screwdrivers incorporated by reference.

FIG.4-9illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a tool holder130according to the present application. The tool holder130ofFIGS.4-9is capable of holding both hex bits and a variety of hex keys. For example,FIG.8illustrates the tool holder130holding a screwdriver hex bit26. The screwdriver hex bit26is shorter than the hex bit25shown inFIG.1, though either may be held by the tool holder130. A variety of other bits, such as a hex drill bit may also be held by the tool holder130. Additionally, the tool holder130may also hold a variety of hex keys, such as those shown inFIGS.5,7and9. The hex keys may include one or more bends. For example, the hex keys125and126(FIGS.5and7) include a single bend, while the hex key127(FIG.9) includes two bends. This flexibility in the types of tools that can be held by the tool holder130provides a great deal of utility to the user by allowing the user to drive a variety of both hex keys and hex bits.

As shown inFIGS.4-9, the tool holder130includes an insertion portion131. The insertion portion131is a hexagonal insertion portion comprising a solid hexagonal cross-section that fits into the hex bit holder30of the screwdriver10. The insertion portion131allows the tool holder130to be inserted into a standard hexagonal bit holder.

The front end of the tool holder130includes a tool holding portion132. The tool holding portion132includes both an inner retainer133and a sleeve140.FIG.6illustrates the tool holder130without the sleeve140. As shown inFIG.6, the inner retainer133of the exemplary embodiment is similar to a standard extender or bit holder, but includes an opening136at its side. Specifically, the retainer133includes three full sides134of a hexagon shape. Additionally, it includes two partial sides135of a hexagon shape. In comparison to a standard hexagonal bit holder, one side is completely removed, and there are two partial sides135in place of full sides. Accordingly, while a standard hexagonal bit holder would have six full sides and form a closed hexagonal shape, the retainer133of the tool holder130of the present exemplary embodiment includes five sides, with three of the sides being full sides134and two being partial sides135. This provides for a partial hexagonal shape and leaves an opening136at the side. As will be appreciated, the front of the retainer133is open so that a tool such as a screwdriver bit can project forwardly to drive a fastener.

At the same time, the sides134and135cooperate such that a hexagonal bit is secured from moving axially sideways outwardly through the opening136. That is, the hexagonal bit cannot fit through the opening136. Additionally, the inner retainer133and its five sides134/135contact enough of a hexagonal bit to transfer rotational motion to the bit, such as the bit25shown inFIG.1, the bit26shown inFIG.8or the extender27shown inFIG.3. There may also be a magnet137at a bottom surface of the inner retainer133, which helps to secure the bits26,27or extender27in place.

As shown inFIGS.4,5and7-9, the tool holder130also includes a sleeve140. As shown inFIGS.5,7and9, the opening136does allow for various hex keys125,126,127to be accommodated in the tool holder130, by allowing portions of the hex keys125,126,127to project through the opening136. The hex keys may have, for example, diameters of 3 millimeters (mm), 4 mm or 5 mm.

As shown inFIG.7, the sleeve140helps to secure the hex keys, such as hex key126. As shown inFIG.140, the sleeve140includes a second magnet138. The magnet138is in the sleeve140and offset from the central axis of the tool holder130(whereas the magnet137is aligned with the central axis of the tool holder130). The hex keys are generally made of metal and the magnet138therefore attracts the hex keys, and helps to secure the hex keys to the tool holder130.

As is further shown in, for example,FIGS.4,5and7, the sleeve140includes an opening141. The opening141includes a side portion146which is aligned with the opening136. As will be appreciated, the side portion opening146aligned retainer opening136is necessary for the projection of the hex keys out the side of the tool holder130. As is further shown, the opening141also includes a circumferential portion. This circumferential portion extends circumferentially so that the opening141is wider than the opening136.

The circumferential portion of the opening141has varying heights. Particularly, as is shown inFIG.7, there is a first circumferential portion142which is adjacent to the side portion146. There is a second circumferential portion143adjacent to the first circumferential portion142, and separated from the side portion146. As shown, the first circumferential portion142has a greater height than the second circumferential portion143in a stepped fashion. This allows different circumference hex keys to be accommodated. In the exemplary embodiment, the first circumferential portion142has a height (axial distance parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tool holder130) of 4 millimeters (mm). The second circumferential portion143has a height of 3 mm.

Although the exemplary embodiment shows two circumferential portions of different heights, there may be more than two different circumferential portions of different heights. For example, there may be three, four, five, six or more circumferential portions, each with different heights. This would allow for accommodation of a wider variety of hex key sizes. Additionally, rather than being stepped, and having discrete different heights, the circumferential portion of the opening141may be angled, as is shown inFIGS.9and10. In this instance, the height of the circumferential portion is of variable height throughout the angled portion.

Depending upon the size of the hex key, the hex key will rotate relative to the sleeve140when the tool holder130begins to be turned by the screwdriver. For example, in the case of a hex key that is 5 mm in diameter, the hex key is wider than the height of the first circumferential portion142(which has a height of 4 mm in the exemplary embodiment). In this instance, the 5 mm hex key will contact the sides of the opening146and remain aligned with the opening146as torque is transmitted from the tool holder130to the hex key. This is shown inFIG.5in which the hex key125remains aligned with the opening146.

FIG.7illustrates a hex key126that has a diameter of 3 mm. With the hex key126ofFIG.7, when the tool holder is rotated and the hex key126is engaged with a fastener, the torque on the hex key126will initially cause the hex key126to rotate relative to the sleeve140. It will rotate out of the opening portion146because the hex key126is shorter than the bottom of the walls145of the opening portion146. Additionally, it rotates past the first circumferential portion142because the hex key126is shorter than the height of that portion. Ultimately, the hex key126sits in the second circumferential portion143abutting the end wall of the second circumferential portion143. This is the position shown inFIG.7. The hex key126is positioned against the left-hand most side of the opening141, which is for driving the hex key126when the tool holder130is rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. When the tool holder130is driven in the opposite direction (the clockwise direction), the hex key126would fit into the second circumferential portion on the opposite side (i.e., the right-hand most position). Although the hex key126will be driven to these positions when the tool holder130is driven, the user may also place the hex key126in the appropriate position for driving.

FIG.8illustrates the tool holder130in the hex bit holder30of the screwdriver10. A screwdriver bit26is fit into the tool holder130. Accordingly, inFIG.8, the screwdriver10can drive the tool holder130, which in turn drives bit26to screw in or remove a fastener.FIG.9similarly illustrates the tool holder130connected to the screwdriver, but holding a hex key127. Accordingly, inFIG.9, the tool holder130is position so as to drive a fastener via the hex key127.

The hex keys may be placed in a more than one position. For example, the hex key125inFIG.5is position so that the long leg of the hex key125projects forward from the tool holder130and the short leg of the hex key125extends to the side. The long leg projecting forwardly is driven rotationally about the axis of the tool holder130in order to drive a fastener in this instance. The hex key126ofFIG.7is shown in the opposite position. InFIG.7, the long leg of the hex key126projects out of the side of the sleeve140and the short leg projects forwardly. Thus, inFIG.7, the short leg is rotated to drive a fastener to which it is engaged.

FIG.9illustrates a hex key127with two bends. Accordingly, there is no short and long leg. Each of the two ends which may engage and drive a fastener are of a similar length, and they are connected by a longer connecting leg. In any event, either of the two shorter legs may be placed in the retainer133so that it may be used to drive a fastener.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.4-9, the tool holder130is an accessory which may be attached to a conventional hex bit holder30of a screwdriver. It should be understood, however, that the tool holder130may be made integral with a powered screwdriver. For example, the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS.10and11illustrate a tool holder230which is integral with a screwdriver210. The tool holder230is the same as the tool holder130unless otherwise noted and the screwdriver210is the same as the screwdriver10unless otherwise noted.

As shown inFIG.11, the screwdriver210has the tool holder230in place of the conventional hex bit holder30. Instead of being an accessory that can be attached to a hex bit holder, the tool holder230is integrated into the screwdriver210. As shown inFIG.10, the tool holder230includes a shaft231. The shaft231is directly driven by a transmission50(FIG.2). In the event that a screwdriver lacked a transmission, the shaft231may be driven directly by the motor20.

The tool holder230has a retainer133in the same manner as the tool holder130. However, as alluded to previously, the sleeve240of the tool holder230is slightly different than sleeve140. The sleeve240has an opening246which is aligned with the opening136of the retainer133. However, the opening241is different. In particular, the first circumferential opening portion242has a flat and consistent height. Then, the second circumferential opening243has an angled top surface such that the section has a continuously variable height. The continuously variable height of the second circumferential opening243will accommodate hex keys of various diameters. The opening241also has ends244, as is the case with the opening141.

While the tool holder230is integrated into a screwdriver210, as shown inFIG.11, it could alternatively be made as an accessory, similar to the tool holder130. Accordingly, both the tool holder130and the tool holder230may be either integral with a screwdriver or as an accessory. This is true for the various tool holder embodiments discussed herein unless otherwise noted. Additionally, features from the various tool holders may be integrated into one another. For example, the tool holder130may be made with a continuously variable opening section rather than stepped sections, or the tool holder may have a continuously variable section in addition to stepped sections.

FIG.12-15illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a tool holder330. The tool holder330has two openings. Particularly, the retainer333has a first opening236and a second opening336. The sleeve340has a first opening241which corresponds to the opening236. The sleeve340also has a second opening341which corresponds to the second opening336. The first opening236/241is smaller (i.e., more narrow) than the second opening336/341. For example, the first opening236may be 4 mm wide and the second opening336may be 5 mm wide. The different sized openings may accommodate hex keys of different sizes. In the exemplary embodiment, there are two magnets338in the opening342. The various sleeve openings of the various exemplary embodiments may have no magnets, or one, two or more magnets.

Each of the sleeve openings241and341have a circumferential portion. The circumferential portion342of the opening341is shown inFIGS.12,14and15. The sleeve opening241circumferential portion is hidden in the view, but is similarly constructed to the circumferential portion342but has a different height, the circumferential portion342having a greater height than the circumferential portion for the sleeve opening241. This allows for a larger hex key to be accommodated in the openings336/341than at the opening236/241. In the exemplary embodiment, the circumferential portion does not have steps or an angled portion to provide a variable height. Instead, the two different openings accommodate for the different sized hex keys. Of course, the stepped or angled circumferential portions of the previous embodiments may be used in order to provide for more hex keys.

FIG.14illustrates a hex key325disposed in the opening236/241so that the hex key325can be driven to drive a fastener.FIG.15illustrates a larger hex key326disposed in the opening336/341so that the hex key236may be driven to drive a fastener with the hex key236. As with the prior embodiments, the tool holder330may be an accessory or may be integrated into a screwdriver.

FIGS.16-25illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a tool holder. As will be explained in further detail below, the tool holder430includes a rotary lock to secure hex keys. As with the previous exemplary embodiments of tool holders, the tool holder430may hold either a hex bit or a hex key, providing flexibility to the user. In this exemplary embodiment, the tool holder430secures the hex key with a rotary lock.

FIG.16is a perspective view of the tool holder430andFIG.17is a side view of the tool holder430.FIG.18is a top view andFIG.19is a side view of the tool holder430. As shown inFIGS.16-19, the tool holder430has a hexagonal insertion portion131which may be inserted into a hexagonal bit holder30. As mentioned above, the tool holder430may instead be adapted to be integral to a screwdriver and driven directly by the transmission rather than through a hexagonal bit holder.

As further shown inFIGS.16and17, the tool holder430includes an inner retainer133, in the same manner as tool holder130. As previously discussed, the inner retainer retains standard hexagonal bits, such as screwdriver bits and hexagonal drill bits. Accordingly, the tool holder430may hold standard hexagonal bits in the manner previously described. Furthermore, the inner retainer133includes an opening136to allow hex keys to project outwardly to the side. As shown inFIGS.16and18, the tool holder430includes magnets137and138.

The tool holder430includes a sleeve440. The sleeve440has an opening441. The opening441has a selectively open upper end444, as shown in the various figures. The sleeve440also includes a lock450. The lock450is a rotary lock, which selectively rotates to close the open end444. For example, the rotary lock450is shown in an open position inFIGS.16,17and21. In this position, an opening451in the rotary lock450is aligned with the opening136. As shown inFIGS.22-24, the rotary lock450may be rotated in the clockwise direction to various states of closed positions.FIG.22illustrates the rotary lock450rotated clockwise from the open position shown inFIG.21to a closed position.FIG.23shows the rotary lock450rotated further clockwise as compared toFIG.22.FIG.24illustrates the rotary lock450rotated even further clockwise as compared toFIG.23to the fullest extent possible.

Operation of the tool holder430for holding hex keys with the rotary lock450is illustrated inFIGS.20-24.FIG.20is a perspective view of the tool holder430with the rotary lock450in the open position and a hex key425inserted therein. The hex key425may have a diameter of 5 mm. As can be seen inFIG.20, a leg of the hex key425projects out of the side of the tool holder, through the opening136.FIG.21illustrates the tool holder430and hex key425with the rotary lock450in the same, open, position. As will be appreciated, when the rotary lock450is in this open position, the user may place the hex key425into the tool holder430and may likewise remove the hex key425from the tool holder. One or more magnets may resist removal to some extent, but that force is of a degree that may be readily overcome by a user. The hex key425may also fall out of the tool holder430if a user tries to drive a fastener with the hex key425.

FIG.22illustrates a side view of the tool holder430with the rotary lock450rotated clockwise from the open position to a first closed position. In this position, the rotary lock450overlaps the hex key425so that the hex key is secured the tool holder430. As shown inFIG.22, the rotary lock450has a first recess452into which the hex key425fits. The first recess452can also be seen in, for example,FIG.17. Essentially, the surface of the rotary lock450facing the sleeve440does not extend as far at the first recess452as it does around the majority of the rotary lock450.

FIG.23illustrates the tool holder430securing a different hex key426. The hex key426has a smaller diameter than the hex key425. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, the hex key426may have a diameter of 4 mm. As discussed previously, inFIG.23the lock450is rotated further clockwise as compared to the position ofFIG.22. As shown inFIG.23, the hex key426fits into a second recess453in the lock450. The second recess453of the lock450provides a smaller height clearance than the first recess452. Accordingly, it secures the hex key426with a smaller diameter than the hex key426.

FIG.24illustrates the tool holder430securing a different hex key427. The hex key427has a smaller diameter than the hex key427. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, the hex key427may have a diameter of 3 mm. As discussed previously, inFIG.24the lock450is rotated further clockwise as compared to the position ofFIG.23. As shown inFIG.24, the hex key427contacts a rear surface454of the lock450. The rear surface454is the surface facing the sleeve440(the insertion portion131defining a rear of the tool holder430and the retainer133being at a front end). The rear surface454provides smaller height clearance than either the first recess452or the second recess453, as the rear surface454is the absence of such recesses. Accordingly, the rear surface454of the lock450secures the hex key427that has the smallest diameter among the hex keys425,426and427. In that manner, hex keys of various sizes may be secured in the tool holder430.

While the exemplary embodiment describes two recesses in the lock450so as to accommodate three different hex key diameters, there may be a greater or fewer number of recesses to accommodate a different number of hex keys. For example, there may be a third recess which accommodates a hex key with a diameter of 6 mm. In other embodiments, there may additionally be a fourth or fifth recess. Additionally, projections may be used in order to accommodate hex keys. For example, there may additionally be a projection which extends rearwardly from the rear surface454to create an opening to accommodate a hex key of 2 mm. Projections and recesses of varying numbers may be used together in an embodiment.

Rather than having specific recessed portions, as is shown inFIGS.21-24, the surface of the lock450which engages the hex keys may simply be angled, providing continuously variable heights.

In the exemplary embodiment, the recesses provide openings with heights substantially the same as the hex key diameters. That is, the recess452provides a clearance with the sleeve440of substantially 5 mm to accommodate a hex key of approximately 5 mm. There is then a transition to the recess453of 4 mm, and the hex key of 5 mm cannot pass the transition portion.

FIGS.25-27illustrate additional views of the tool holder430.FIGS.25and26are perspective views, andFIG.27is a close-up perspective view. In each ofFIGS.25-27, the tool holder430is holding the 3 mm hex key427. As shown, the hex key427is held between the sleeve440and the rear surface454of the lock450.

FIGS.28A and28Bare exploded views of the tool holder430.FIG.29Ais a side view of the lock450andFIG.29Bis a perspective view of the lock450.FIG.30is a cross-sectional view showing the tool holder430.

As shown inFIGS.28A and28B, in addition to the previously described parts, the tool holder430includes a spring460that biases a ball bearing461into a series of detent recesses470. The detent recesses470are shown inFIG.28Band are formed on a rear surface of the lock450. This allows the lock450to be rotated into a number of distinct and defined positions. In the exemplary embodiment there are seven detents470providing for seven positions for the lock450. In other embodiments there may be a greater or lesser number of detents recesses470. Additionally, the sleeve440includes a grooved inner surface490. The inner surface490provides a frictional and keyed fit onto a shaft432between the insertion end131and the retainer133. Additionally, the tool holder430includes a retaining ring480. The retaining ring480fits on an end near the end of the retainer133to hold the assembly together by snapping into a groove481at the retainer end133. The retaining ring480extends outwardly to prevent the lock450and sleeve440from moving axially forwardly.

Additionally,FIGS.27through30illustrate structure for rotation of the lock450relative to the sleeve440. As shown, the sleeve440includes a groove486. The groove486has two ends487. The lock450includes a stop485. The stop485can travel in the groove486between the two ends487, at which the stop485hits the ends487and can rotate no further. That is, the ends487of the groove486delimit the range of rotation of the lock450.

As discussed previously, the tool holder430may be made as an accessory which can fit into a standard hex bit holder or may be integrated into a screwdriver.FIG.31shows the tool holder430integrated into screwdriver510.

The various hex keys may differ in their construction. For example, the hex keys may have a hexagonal cross section throughout or the hex keys may have hexagonal ends for connecting to fasteners, but a circular cross-sectional portion between the two ends. Additionally, each end of the hex keys may be the same, or each end of the hex key may be different so as to drive different fasteners. For example, one end of a hex key may have a different hex shaped size than the opposite end. In other embodiments, one or both ends of the key may have a flathead or other screwdriver shape rather than a hex shape.

One benefit of exemplary embodiments of the present application are that they can hold hexagonal screwdriver bits with a relatively short lengths.FIGS.32and33illustrate a screwdriver bit610.FIG.32is a side view of the screwdriver bit610. The screwdriver bit610has a hexagonal section611and a driving head612. The driving head may be any of a number of screwdriver shapes and types, such as flat head, cross-head, Phillips, star shaped, Torx or other configurations, as is well known in the art, to drive a variety of fasteners. The hexagonal section611has a cross section shape of a hexagon, as is shown inFIG.33. The length L of the hexagonal section may commonly be about ½″ (0.5 inches) and the width W may be about ¼″ (0.25 inches). The retainers133and333of the exemplary embodiments are sufficiently shallow so that such a fastener may be held by the tool holders130,230,330and430with the driving head611projecting from the retainer133,333so that it can effectively drive a fastener.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retainers133,333may have an axial length of approximately ¼″ so that it effectively holds a screwdriver bit with a hexagonal section of about ½″ in length L. However, the retainers133and333may have an axial length H (FIGS.6and14) among a wide variety of ranges, such as of ¾″ or less (0.75 inches); ⅝″ or less; ½″ or less; ⅜″ or less; 5/16″ or less; ¼″ or less; 3/16″ or less; ⅛″ or less; or 1/16″ or less. It can be advantageous to size the retainer133/333as having an axial length H of a sufficiently small size so as to be able to hold and retain short screwdriver bits while maintaining the driving head extending from the retainer133/333so as to allow it to drive a fastener. Accordingly, in various embodiments the retainers133/333, and thus the tool holders130,230,330and430can be sized to hold screwdriver bits with a hexagonal section with a length L of about ¾″ or less (0.75 inches); ⅝″ or less; ½″ or less; ⅜″ or less; 5/16″ or less; ¼″ or less; 3/16″ or less; ⅛″ or less; or 1/16″ or less.

As is understood, a user can insert and remove the various hex keys and bit holders. Additionally, the user can drive fasteners with each of the hex keys and bit holders. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the present exemplary embodiment includes the method of inserting, securing and using the various hex keys and bit holders.

FIGS.34-47illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a tool holder730. The tool holder730is designed to hold hex keys of various sizes. It may also hold a hex screwdriver bit, such as bit610or25.

As shown inFIGS.34and35, the tool holder730includes an insertion portion131. As has previously been discussed, the insertion portion131may be inserted into a standard hex bit holder, such as hex bit holder30. Also, as with previous exemplary tool holder embodiments, the tool holder730may be made integral with a screwdriver such the insertion portion131is replaced with a shaft and is driven directly by the motor or transmission of the screwdriver, rather than through a hex bit holder. For example,FIG.47illustrates a screwdriver710which incorporates the tool holder730directly into the screwdriver710. In any event, as with previous tool holder embodiments, the tool holder730may either be made as an accessory or integrated directly into a powered tool, such as a screwdriver.

The tool holder730has a stepped retainer733. As with the retainer133, the stepped retainer733is partially hexagonally shaped. The partial hexagon has three full sides734and two partial sides735. Additionally, the stepped retainer733includes a side opening733so that the hexagon shape is not closed. As will be appreciated, a front of the retainer is open and a tool such as a bit can project out of the front to drive a fastener.

The stepped retainer733has the partial hexagonal shape in four different sizes. In particular, the stepped retainer733has four sections751,752,753and754. The section751is the largest and closest to the front of the tool holder730. The sections then get increasingly smaller such that section752is smaller than section751; section753is smaller than section752and section754is smaller than section753. Section754is the farthest rearward section.

A distance from one of the full sides743to a partial side735opposite to the full side may be 6 mm for the section751; 5 mm for the section752; 4 mm for the section753and 3 mm for the section754. These dimensions may also be made slightly more such as slightly more than 6 mm, slightly more than 5 mm, etc., so that they more easily accommodate hex keys of 6 mm, 5 mm etc. That is, the 5 mm stepped section752can be sized to accommodate a hex key with a diameter of approximately 5 mm. Accordingly, the stepped section can be 5 mm or slightly larger. As will be appreciated, there could be more or less than four different stepped retainer sections, and the sizes may be different than those in the exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIGS.34and35, the tool holder730also includes a sleeve740. The sleeve has a central opening746that runs axially. Communicating with the central opening746, the sleeve740has three circumferential openings741,742and743. The circumferential openings741,742and743extend circumferentially from the central opening746. Each of the circumferential openings have a different size. The circumferential opening743having the greatest height (the axial front to rear direction) and the circumferential opening741having the smallest height.FIG.40illustrates an exploded view of the tool holder730and the sleeve740can be seen inFIG.40as a separate element.

Operation of the tool holder730will now be described with reference toFIGS.41-46.FIGS.41,43and45illustrate the tool holder730including the sleeve740.FIGS.42,44and46illustrate corresponding views with the sleeve740removed.

FIGS.41and42illustrate the tool holder730holding a hex key725. The hex key725has a diameter of roughly 5 mm. Accordingly, it seats in the stepped section752.

In order to insert the hex key725, the sleeve740is first rotated to the position shown inFIGS.34and35, in which the central opening746of the sleeve740is aligned with the opening736of the stepped section733. That allows a user to insert the hex key725into the retainer733.

After the hex key725reaches the stepped section752, it can no longer be inserted any further owing to the fact that it cannot fit into the stepped section753as it is too large to fit into that section. Accordingly, the hex key725sits in the stepped section752. Then, a user may rotate the sleeve740in a clockwise direction. This rotates the sleeve740so that the hex key725fits into the opening743of the sleeve740, as is shown inFIG.41. As will be appreciated, this secures the hex key725in place. The hex key725can be removed by returning the sleeve740to the initial position and removing the hex key725.

FIGS.43and44illustrate the tool holder730holding a hex key726. The hex key726has a diameter of roughly 4 mm. Accordingly, it seats in the stepped section753.

In order to insert the hex key726, the sleeve740is first rotated to the position shown inFIGS.34and35, in which the central opening746of the sleeve740is aligned with the opening736of the stepped section733. That allows a user to insert the hex key726into the retainer733.

After the hex key726reaches the stepped section753, it can no longer be inserted any further owing to the fact that it cannot fit into the stepped section754as it is too large to fit into that section. Accordingly, the hex key726sits in the stepped section753. Then, a user may rotate the sleeve740in a counter-clockwise direction. This rotates the sleeve740so that the hex key726fits into the opening742of the sleeve740, as is shown inFIG.43. As will be appreciated, this secures the hex key726in place. The hex key726can be removed by returning the sleeve740to the initial position and removing the hex key726.

FIGS.45and46illustrate the tool holder730holding a hex key727. The hex key727has a diameter of roughly 3 mm. Accordingly, it seats in the stepped section754.

In order to insert the hex key727, the sleeve740is first rotated to the position shown inFIGS.34and35, in which the central opening746of the sleeve740is aligned with the opening736of the stepped section733. That allows a user to insert the hex key727into the retainer733.

After the hex key727reaches the stepped section754, it can no longer be inserted. Accordingly, the hex key727sits in the stepped section754. Then, a user may rotate the sleeve740in a clockwise direction. This rotates the sleeve740so that the hex key727fits into the opening741of the sleeve740, as is shown inFIG.45. As will be appreciated, this secures the hex key727in place. The hex key727can be removed by returning the sleeve740to the initial position and removing the hex key727.

Although not shown, a hex screwdriver bit can be fit into the first section751of the stepped retainer733when the sleeve740is in any position. It may be advantageous to have the sleeve740rotated to one of the positions shown inFIG.41,43or45so that the opening736is closed. The hex screwdriver bit can be any of the dimensions discussed previously. By providing the stepped section751, the tool holder730can accommodate a relatively short hex screwdriver bit.

FIGS.36-39illustrate other various views of the tool holder730.FIG.36is a top view andFIG.37is a bottom view.FIGS.38and39are side views.

As discussed previously,FIG.40is an exploded view. As shown inFIG.40, the tool holder730may include a biased projection780. The biased projection includes a spring781and a projection member782. The projection780first into a hole783and the projection member781projects out to contact an inner surface of the sleeve740. This causes the sleeve740to resist relative movement. That is, the sleeve740will remain in place relative to the retainer733due to the projection780unless acted upon by another force. The resistance to movement is relatively minor such that a user is able to relatively rotate the sleeve740. However, the sleeve740stays in place unless rotated by the user. As will be appreciated, the particular force and resistance to movement can be changed by changing things such as the size and force of the spring781and the size, shape and material of the projection member782.

Although the stepped sections751,752,753and754are shown with a partially hexagonal shape, the stepped sections can have a circular shape or the shapes can be mixed. In particular, stepped section751may have the partially hexagonal shape, and sections752,753and754may have circular cross-sectional shapes. This would allow a hex screwdriver bit to be held by the stepped section751, while the sections752,753and754would accommodate hex keys.

As is understood, a user can insert and remove the various hex keys and bit holders. Additionally, the user can drive fasteners with each of the hex keys and bit holders. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the present exemplary embodiment includes the method of inserting, securing and using the various hex keys and bit holders.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.