Patent ID: 7493838

Claim:
A multi-bit screwdriver comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a handle portion; a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within said housing, each bit assembly having a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end; a bit chuck disposed at one end of said housing for receiving said tool bits singularly in torque transmitting relation, and including a bit-receiving opening for permitting said tool bits singularly to extend therethrough; a forward facing abutment surface disposed within said housing; and, actuator means extending from each said bit assembly exteriorly to said housing for operative engagement by a user, for co-operative movement of said actuator means and said bit assembly between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat said bit assembly is positioned such that said tool bit extends outwardly from said housing through said opening of said bit chuck, and said contact surface of said bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against said abutment surface to preclude rearward movement of said bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from said tool bit, and back to said retracted configuration whereat said contact surface of said bit assembly is removed in a lateral direction from said longitudinal force transmitting engagement with said abutment surface.