Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6647837
-
Patent Number
6,647,837
-
Date Filed
Monday, April 8, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, November 18, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
- Kamrath; Alan D.
- Rider Bennett, LLP.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 081 466
- 081 465
- 081 463
- 173 93
- 173 937
- 173 119
- 173 936
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A hand tool includes a handle, a plunger, an elastic element, a driver, a device for transforming a blow into a torque and a clutch. The handle is hollow. The plunger includes a first end and a second end. The plunger is inserted in the handle so that it cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle. The elastic element is received in the handle. The driver includes a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that it can rotate relative to the handle. The transforming device is arranged between the plunger and the driver for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver. The clutch is mounted on the first section of the driver so that it cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where it cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where it can rotate relative to the handle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention is related to a hand tool that in a mode can transform a blow into a torque and in another mode can work as an ordinary screwdriver.
2. Related Prior Art
FIG. 12
shows a conventional hand tool
100
that is capable of transforming a blow into a torque. The hand tool
100
includes a handle
101
that is hollow and includes an open end
102
and a closed end. The handle
101
includes a neck
103
of a reduced diameter formed thereon near the open end
102
. A V-shaped slot
104
is defined in the neck
103
. A spring
105
is received in the handle
101
. A shaft
106
includes a square end for engagement with a tool bit. A recess
107
is defined in the periphery of the shaft
106
. The shaft
106
is partially inserted in the handle
101
so that the recess
107
is aligned with the V-shaped slot
104
. A pin
108
is inserted through the V-shaped slot
104
and received in the recess
107
. An elastic collar
109
is mounted on the neck
103
, thus retaining the pin
108
in position. A blow exerted on the closed end of the handle
101
by a hammer can be transformed into a torque exerted on the shaft
106
due to the engagement of the V-shaped slot
104
with the pin
108
. Thus, a user can exert a greater torque than he can with an ordinary screwdriver. Therefore, the conventional hand tool
100
is used at a final stage of tightening a threaded bolt and at an initial stage of releasing a threaded bolt. However, the hand tool
100
is less useful than an ordinary screwdriver in other situations. In addition, the hand tool
100
cannot be used to carry tool bits that can easily be forgotten and lost.
The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a hand tool that in a mode can transform a blow into a torque and in another mode can work as an ordinary screwdriver.
According to the present invention, a hand tool includes a handle, a plunger, an elastic element, a driver, a device for transforming a blow into a torque and a clutch. The handle is hollow. The plunger includes a first end and a second end. The plunger is inserted in the handle so that it cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle. The elastic element is received in the handle. The driver includes a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that it can rotate relative to the handle. The transforming device is arranged between the plunger and the driver for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver. The clutch is mounted on the first section of the driver so that it cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where it cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where it can rotate relative to the handle.
The hand tool may include a device formed around the handle for storing tool bits. The storing device includes two shells pivotally mounted on the handle for carrying tool bits. Each of the shells includes an semi-annular portion defining a plurality of recesses for receiving tool bits.
The hand tool may include a telescopic element that is attached thereto and includes a magnetic end.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention is described through detailed illustration of embodiments referring to the attached drawings wherein:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a hand tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is an exploded view of the hand tool shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a cross-sectional view of the hand tool according to section line
3
—
3
shown in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is similar to
FIG. 3
but showing the hand tool in another position;
FIG. 5
is similar to
FIG. 4
but showing the hand tool subject to a blow by a hammer;
FIG. 6
is similar to
FIG. 5
but showing the hand tool in another position;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of a hand tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8
is an exploded view of the hand tool shown in
FIG. 7
;
FIG. 9
is a cross-sectional view of the hand tool shown in
FIG. 8
;
FIG. 10
is similar to
FIG. 9
but showing the hand tool in another position;
FIG. 11
is a side view of the hand tool shown in
FIG. 8
; and
FIG. 12
is an exploded view of a conventional hand tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a hand tool includes a handle
10
, a plunger
20
, a driver
30
and a clutch
40
.
The handle
10
is formed with a first open end
11
and a second open end
12
. The handle
10
defines a space
13
in communication with the open ends
11
and
12
thereof. Thus, the handle
10
includes an external periphery and an internal periphery. The space
13
includes a first section and a second section of a smaller diameter than that of the first section thereof. Two recesses
131
are defined in the internal periphery of the handle
10
at the first open end
11
. Similarly, two grooves
14
are axially defined in the internal periphery of the handle
10
at the second section of the space
13
.
The plunger
20
includes a first end
21
and a second end
22
. A V-shaped groove
23
including first and second branches is defined in the periphery of the plunger
20
near the first end
21
. Two guides
24
axially extend on the periphery of the plunger
20
.
Referring to
FIGS. 3 through 7
, the plunger
20
is inserted in the handle
10
so that the second end
22
of the plunger
20
is exposed through the second open end
12
of the handle
10
, that the guides
24
are received and can slide in the grooves
14
, that the first end
21
of the plunger
20
is received in the first section of the space
30
.
A spring
38
is received in the first section of the space
13
.
The driver
30
includes a first section
31
and a second section
32
. A hexangular hole
311
is defined axially in the first section
31
of the driver
30
. The first section
31
of the driver
30
is formed with a hexangular periphery
34
that consists of six facets. A hole
341
is defined in one of the facets of the hexangular periphery
34
in order to receive a retainer assembly
35
consisting of a spring
351
and a ball
352
. An annular groove
36
is defined in the hexangular periphery
34
for receiving a C-clip
361
. The second section
32
of the driver
30
defines a space
33
, thus the second section
32
of the driver
30
includes an internal periphery and an external periphery. The internal periphery of the second section
32
defines a hole
331
in order to receive a ball
37
.
The second section
32
of the driver
30
is inserted in the first section of the space
13
defined in the handle
10
so that the first end
21
of the plunger
20
is received in the space
33
defined in the second section
32
of the driver
30
. The spring
38
is received in the space
33
and has a first end
381
abutting with the first end
21
of the plunger
20
and a second end
382
abutting with the axial end of the space
33
. The hole
331
is aligned with the V-shaped groove
23
so that the ball
37
can be received in the hole
331
and the V-shaped groove
23
.
The clutch
40
is shaped as a collar, thus including an internal periphery
41
and an external periphery. The internal periphery
41
consists of a plurality of facets corresponding to that of the first section
31
of the driver
30
and in the form shown is hexangular for engagement with the hexangular periphery
34
of the first section
31
of the driver
30
. The clutch
40
includes an annular edge
44
on a first end thereof and two extensions
43
extending from a second end thereof. Six crescent shoulders
42
are formed between the hexangular internal periphery
41
and the annular edge
44
.
The spring
351
is received in the hole
341
. The ball
352
is partially received in the hole
341
. The clutch
40
is mounted on the first section
31
of the driver
30
. The spring
351
and the ball
352
are retained in the hole
341
by means of the clutch
40
. The extensions
43
are aligned with the recesses
131
. The C-clip
361
is received in the annular groove
36
, thus retaining the clutch
40
on the first section
31
of the driver
30
.
Referring to
FIG. 3
, the extensions
43
are inserted in the recesses
131
so that the handle can drive the clutch
40
. As the hexangular internal periphery
41
engages with the hexangular periphery
34
, the clutch
40
can drive the driver
30
. Thus, the handle
10
can drive the driver
30
. The driver
30
can drive a tool bit
51
that can drive a screw
50
such as for securing members
52
and
53
together. Obviously, the hand tool works as an ordinary screwdriver.
Referring to
FIG. 4
, the hand tool is in a mode for transforming a blow into a torque for driving the tool bit
51
. The extensions
43
are removed from the recesses
131
, thus allowing rotation of the handle
10
relative to the clutch
40
, i.e., the handle
10
cannot drive the clutch
40
and therefore the driver
30
and the tool bit
51
. However, when a blow is exerted on the second end
22
of the plunger
20
by means of a hammer
54
as shown in
FIG. 5
, the plunger
20
is moved downwards. The first branch of the V-shaped groove
23
causes the ball
37
and therefore the driver
30
to rotate in a direction indicated by means of an arrow shown in FIG.
5
.
The ball
37
can be moved from the first branch of the V-shaped groove
23
as shown in
FIG. 5
to the second branch of the V-shaped groove
23
as shown in FIG.
6
. When a blow is exerted on the second end
22
of the plunger
20
by means of a hammer
54
, the plunger
20
is moved downwards. The second branch of the V-shaped groove
23
causes the ball
37
and therefore the driver
30
to rotate in a direction indicated by means of an arrow shown in FIG.
6
.
FIGS. 7
to
11
show a hand tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for using a handle
60
in place of the handle
10
in order to carry tool bits.
Referring to
FIG. 8
, the handle
60
is identical to the handle
10
except for adopting an arrangement for carrying tool bits. The handle
60
is found with a first open end
61
and a second end
62
. The arrangement includes a first annular portion
64
and a second annular portion
65
separated from each other. A hole
641
axially extends through the first annular portion
64
. A hole
651
axially extends through the second annular portion
65
, corresponding to the hole
641
. A hole
652
extends in the second annular portion
65
in a radial direction.
A cylindrical portion
66
is formed between the annular portions
64
and
65
. The cylindrical portion
66
is formed with a ridge
661
extending axially. A recess
662
is defined in the ridge
661
.
A first shell
67
includes, on an edge thereof, a tubular portion
671
defining a hole
672
. A semi-circular thick portion (not numbered) is formed on an internal periphery of the first shell
67
. Several hexangular recesses
673
are defined in the semi-circular thick portion of the first shell
67
in order to receive tool bits
70
. A flange
674
is formed on another edge of the first shell
67
.
A second shell
68
includes, on an edge thereof, two tubular portions
682
separated from each other by a gap
681
. Each of the tubular portions
682
defines a hole
683
. A semi-circular thick portion (not numbered) is formed on an internal periphery of the second shell
68
. A flange
684
is formed on another edge of the second shell
68
. Referring to
FIG. 9
, several hexangular recesses
685
are defined in the semi-circular thick portion of the second shell
68
in order to receive tool bits
70
.
A telescopic element
69
includes a first end
691
that is magnetic and a second end
692
in which a hole
693
is defined.
In assembly, the shells
67
and
68
are located between the annular portions
64
and
65
. The tubular portion
671
of the first shell
67
is positioned between the tubular portions
682
of the second shell
68
. The holes
672
and
683
are aligned with the holes
641
and
651
. The telescopic element
69
is inserted in the holes
651
,
683
,
672
and
641
like a shaft. A pin
653
is inserted in the hole
693
and the hole
652
, thus securing the telescopic element
69
to the second annular portion
65
. Thus, the shells
67
and
68
can be pivoted between an open position as shown in
FIG. 9 and a
closed position as shown in FIG.
10
. The flanges
674
and
684
can be received in the recess
662
in order to retain the shells
67
and
68
in the closed position. The telescopic element
69
can be extended as shown in
FIG. 11
so that the first end
691
can attract a thread bolt
71
trapped in a narrow space.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art can derive a lot of variations from these embodiments after a study of this patent specification. Therefore, these embodiments shall by no means limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention can only be defined in the attached claims.
Claims
- 1. A hand tool including:a handle being hollow; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger being inserted in the handle so that the plunger cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle; an elastic element received in the handle; a driver including a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that the second section can rotate relative to the handle; a device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver; a clutch mounted on the first section of the driver so that the clutch cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where the clutch cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where the clutch can rotate relative to the handle; and a telescopic element attached to the handle and including a magnetic end.
- 2. The hand tool according to claim 1 wherein the clutch is shaped as a collar so that the clutch can be mounted on the first section of the driver.
- 3. The hand tool according to claim 2 wherein the first section of the driver includes a periphery consisting of at least three facets and the clutch includes an internal periphery consisting of a plurality of facets corresponding to that of the first section of the driver.
- 4. The hand tool according to claim 3 wherein the periphery of the first section of the driver consists of six facets.
- 5. The hand tool according to claim 3 wherein the device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver includes a V-shaped groove defined in one of the plunger and the second section of the driver and a recess defined in the remaining one of the plunger and the second section of the driver.
- 6. The hand tool according to claim 1 including a device formed around the handle for storing tool bits.
- 7. The hand tool according to claim 6, wherein the storing device includes at least one shell pivotally mounted on the handle for carrying tool bits.
- 8. The hand tool according to claim 7 wherein the storing device includes two shells.
- 9. The hand tool according to claim 8 wherein the shells each include a semi-annular portion defining a plurality of recesses in order to receive tool bits.
- 10. A hand tool including:a handle being hollow; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger being inserted in the handle so that the plunger cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle; an elastic element received in the handle; a driver including a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that the second section can rotate relative to the handle; a device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver; a clutch mounted on the first section of the driver so that the clutch cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where the clutch cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where the clutch can rotate relative to the handle, wherein the clutch is shaped as a collar so that the clutch can be mounted on the first section of the driver; and a stopper for preventing the clutch escaping from the first section of the driver.
- 11. The hand tool according to claim 10 wherein the stopper is a C-clip received in an annular groove defined in the first section of the driver.
- 12. A hand tool including:a handle being hollow; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger being inserted in the handle so that the plunger cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle; an elastic element received in the handle; a driver including a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that the second section can rotate relative to the handle; a device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver; a clutch mounted on the first section of the driver so that the clutch cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where the clutch cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where the clutch can rotate relative to the handle, wherein the clutch is shaped as a collar so that the clutch can be mounted on the first section of the driver; and a retainer for retaining the clutch in the second position in a releasable manner.
- 13. The hand tool according to claim 12 wherein the retainer includes a spring and a ball both received in a hole defined in the first section of the driver.
- 14. A hand tool including:a handle being hollow; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger being inserted in the handle so that the plunger cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle; an elastic element received in the handle; a driver including a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that the second section can rotate relative to the handle; a device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver; and a clutch mounted on the first section of the driver so that the clutch cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where the clutch cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where the clutch can rotate relative to the handle, wherein the clutch is shaped as a collar so that the clutch can be mounted on the first section of the driver, wherein the handle defines at least one recess and the clutch includes at least one extension corresponding to the at least one recess defined in the handle so that the at least one extension of the clutch is received in the recess defined in the handle in the first position and that the at east one extension of the clutch is removed from the recess defined in the handle in the second position.
- 15. The hand tool according to claim 14 wherein the at least one recess is defined in an internal periphery of the handle.
- 16. The hand tool according to claim 14 wherein the at least one extension projects from an end of the clutch.
- 17. The hand tool according to claim 14 wherein the handle defines two recesses.
- 18. A hand tool including:a handle being hollow; a plunger including a first end and a second end, the plunger being inserted in the handle so that the plunger cannot rotate relative to the handle and that the second end extends beyond the handle; an elastic element received in the handle; a driver including a first section for engagement with a tool bit and a second section received in the handle so that the second section can rotate relative to the handle; a device for transforming a blow on the second end of the plunger into a torque on the second section of the driver; and a clutch mounted on the first section of the driver so that the clutch cannot rotate relative to the driver and can move between a first position where the clutch cannot rotate relative to the handle and a second position where the clutch can rotate relative to the handle, wherein the handle includes at least one groove defined in an internal periphery thereof and the plunger includes at least one guide received in the at least one groove defined in the handle.
- 19. The hand tool according to claim 18 wherein the handle includes two grooves.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
90131977 A |
Dec 2001 |
TW |
|
US Referenced Citations (4)