MULTI-BIT SCREWDRIVER

Abstract

A multi-bit screwdriver comprises a housing with a bit chuck at the front end and bit assemblies retained within the housing. Each bit assembly has a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end. An actuator extends from each bit assembly for operative engagement by a user, for movement of the actuator and bit assembly between a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat the bit assembly is positioned such that the tool bit extends outwardly from the housing, and the contact surface of the bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against a forward facing abutment surface to preclude rearward movement of the bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from the tool bit, and a retracted configuration whereat the contact surface of the bit assembly is removed in a lateral direction from the longitudinal force transmitting engagement with the forward facing abutment surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the multi-bit screwdriver according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of the preferred embodiment multi-bit screwdriver according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevational view of the multi-bit screwdriver of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back end elevational view of the cone portion of the multi-bit screwdriver of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the cone portion shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front end elevational view of the cone portion shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a back end elevational view of the central transition portion of the multi-bit screwdriver of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the central transition portion shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front end elevational view of the central transition portion shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a back end elevational view of the handle portion of the multi-bit screwdriver of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the handle portion shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front end elevational view of the handle portion shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken along section line A-A of FIG. 1, showing the bit assemblies in their retracted configuration;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 12, but showing one bit assembly in a partially extended configuration;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 12, but showing one bit assembly in a partially extended configuration, but showing one bit assembly in a forwardly extended intermediate configuration;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side elevational view similar to FIG. 13, but showing one bit assembly in a forwardly extended in-use configuration;

FIG. 15 is a right side perspective view of a complete bit assembly and attached actuator, as seen in FIGS. 12 through 14;

FIG. 16 is a left side inverted perspective view of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a right side elevational view of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a left side elevational view of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view from the top right of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15, showing the separate components;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 21, with the components having been assembled;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view from the bottom left (inverted) of the complete bit assembly and attached actuator of FIG. 15, and showing rotational movement of the tool bit and flexible movement of the actuator member in dashed lining;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the actuator member of the bit assembly;

FIG. 25 is a back end view of the actuator member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view of the actuator member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a front end view of the actuator member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is an inverted left side elevational view of the actuator member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the actuator member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the bit extension of the bit assembly;

FIG. 31 is a back end view of the bit extension of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a right side elevational view of the bit extension of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a front end view of the bit extension of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is an inverted left side elevational view of the bit extension of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the bit extension of FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the tool bit of the bit assembly;

FIG. 37 is a right side elevational view of the tool bit of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is an inverted left side elevational view of the tool bit of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the tool bit of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a front end view of the tool bit as shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 41 is a front end view of the tool bit as shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 is a back end view of the tool bit of FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 is a back end view of the tool bit of FIG. 39;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view from the back of the handle portion and a bit assembly mounted within the handle portion in the fully retracted position;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 44, but showing the movement of the actuator and the bit assembly to the fully extended position;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view from the front of the handle portion and a bit assembly in the fully extended position;

FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of the cone portion together with the central transition portion;

FIG. 48 is a partial cut away exploded perspective view of the cone portion together with the central transition portion;

FIG. 49 is a rear perspective view of the handle portion together with the end cap and a single bit assembly;

FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view of the central transition section together with the cone section;

FIG. 51 is an exploded rear perspective view of the body portion and the end cap; and,

FIG. 52 is an assembled rear perspective view of the body portion together with the end cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 52, which show a preferred embodiment of the multi-bit screwdriver of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The multi-bit screwdriver 20 comprises a housing 30 defining a longitudinal axis “L”, and a handle portion 40, a central transition portion 50, a cone portion 60. The housing 30 tapers at a cone portion 60 from the central transition portion 50 to a bit chuck 62 that will be described in greater detail subsequently. Alternatively, the central transition portion 50 and the cone portion 60 could be one integral piece. The housing 30 also comprises a longitudinally directed central column 32 disposed within the housing 30. A plurality of channels 34, specifically six in the preferred embodiment, surround and define the central column 32.

An end cap 28 is secured onto the back end of the housing 30 by means of a threaded fastener 31 that engages a co-operating bore hole 33 in the central column 32.

A plurality of bit assemblies, as indicated by the general reference numeral 70, specifically six bit assemblies 70 in the preferred embodiment, are operatively retained within the housing 30. The bit assemblies 70 each having an actuator attached thereto are shown separately in FIGS. 15 through 23. Each bit assembly 70 has a tool bit 72 at a front end and a bit extension 80 that is operatively attached in hinged relation, and preferably pivotally attached to the tool bit 72. Alternatively, a living hinge arrangement could be used to operatively attach in hinged relation the bit extension 70 to the tool bit 72. Alternatively, the tool bit 72 and the bit extension 80 could be joined to form a single unit alternative embodiment bit assembly, such that the bit extension portion of the bit assembly or the joint or both is sufficiently flexible in the radial direction and rigid enough to reduce its degree of freedom.

The bit extension 80 comprises a main body 80a having a front end 80f and a back end 80b, and includes a pin receiving aperture 83 therein at the pivot axis “P”. The tool bit 72 has a rear arm portion 73 that extends rearwardly past the first stop surface 74, and a pivot pin 75 that projects a transversely from the rear arm portion 73 so as to be disposed immediately rearwardly of the first stop surface 74. The rear arm portion 73 and the pivot pin 75 are a part of the overmolded plastic back end portion 76. The pivot pin 75 is disposed in pivotal relation within the pin receiving aperture 83 in the bit extension 80, to thereby pivotally attach the tool bit 72 to the bit extension 80. Each bit extension 80 has a contact surface 82 at a back end 86, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently, and is made from a suitable rigid material such as aluminum, cold rolled steel, plastic, and so on.

Each tool bit 72 has a first stop surface 74 and each bit extension 80 has a second stop surface 82 at the front end 80f, and defines a longitudinal tool bit axis “T”. Further, each tool bit 72 comprises an overmolded plastic back end portion 76. The tool bit 72 is pivotally attached at its overmolded plastic back end portion 76 to the bit extension 80 for pivotal movement about a pivot axis “P” oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal tool bit axis “T” between a oblique angular positions, as is shown in dashed lining in FIG. 23, and a forward-oriented angular position, as is shown in solid lining in FIG. 23. In the forward-oriented angular position, the first and second stop surfaces 74, 82 abut against each other in force transmitting relation, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

There is means on the housing 30 for receiving the tool bits 72 singularly, or in other words one at a time, in torque transmitting relation. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the means for receiving the tool bits 72 comprises a bit chuck 62 disposed at one end of the housing 30 and integrally formed within the housing 30 specifically with the cone portion 60, so as to be substantially solid. The bit chuck 62 includes a bit-receiving opening 64 for permitting the tool bits 72 singularly to extend therethrough. The bit-receiving opening 64 is lengthy enough along the longitudinal axis “L” and is of suitable dimension to retain a tool bit received therein substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis “L”. In the above described manner, when the handle portion 40 of the housing 30 is turned by a user, torque is transmitted from the housing 30 to the tool bits 72, thus causing the tool bits 72 to turn with the housing 30.

The housing 30 also comprises a rearward facing abutment surface 90 disposed within said housing 30, preferably on the cone portion 60 adjacent the bit chuck 62. The rearward facing abutment surface 90 receives a portion of the overmolded plastic back end portion 76 thereagainst, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

A forward facing abutment surface 92 is disposed within the housing 30, preferably on the central column 32. The forward facing abutment surface 92 receives the contact surface 82 of the bit extension 80 thereagainst, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

An actuator means, as indicated by the general reference numeral 100 extends from each bit assembly 70 exteriorly to the housing 30 for operative engagement by a user. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, each actuator means comprises a flexible actuator member 102. Each actuator member 102 comprises a unitary molded plastic piece and has an attachment portion 110 and a mounting portion 120 connected together by a flexible connector portion 130. The flexible connector portion 130 may be resiliently flexible so as to return to its original shape, as can be best seen in FIGS. 26 and 28. The flexible actuator member 102 does need to be sufficiently rigid to be able to push the attachment portion 110 laterally so as to move the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 in a lateral direction onto the forward facing abutment surface 92 on the central column 32.

Each actuator member 102 is operatively attached in hinged relation to a co-operating bit assembly 70 at the attachment portion 110. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, each actuator member 102 is operatively attached in pivoting relation to a co-operating bit assembly 70 by means of a pivot pin 122 projecting laterally outwardly from the attachment portion 110. The pivot pin 122 extends through a co-operating aperture 84 in the bit extension 80 adjacent the back end 86 thereof. Alternatively, a living hinge arrangement could be used to operatively attach the actuator member 102 in hinged relation to a co-operating bit assembly 70.

The mounting portion 120 comprises a stem portion 122 that extends through a slot 36 and terminates at a button portion 124 disposed exteriorly to the housing 30. In this manner, the actuator member 102 is mounted in slidable relation within a slot 36 that is oriented longitudinally along the housing 30.

The button portion 124 is preferably slightly concavely shaped and has formed therein a representation 106 of the shape of the attached tool bit 72, in order to make possible the identification of a desired tool bit 72 when it is in the housing 30.

Each actuator member 102 further comprises a flexible biasing arm 116 projecting outwardly from the mounting portion 120 for biased engagement with the central column 32. In this manner, the actuator member 102 is frictionally retained within the slot 36 for controlled sliding movement, in order to minimize looseness and play.

The actuator member 102 extends from a bit assembly 70 exteriorly to the housing 30, as aforesaid, for co-operative movement of the actuator member 102 and the bit assembly 70 between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended intermediate configuration and a forwardly extended in-use configuration. In the retracted configuration, the bit assemblies 70 are retained within the housing 30, as can be best seen in FIG. 12. In the forwardly extended intermediate configuration, the tool bit 72 extends outwardly from the housing 30. Further, the bit assembly 70 contacts the rearward facing abutment surface 90, which contact limits the forward motion of the bit assembly 70. Further forward sliding movement of the actuator member 102, as accommodated by the flexible actuator member 102, causes the bit assembly 70 to move to its forwardly extended in-use configuration, as can be best seen in FIG. 14. More specifically, the forward movement of the user engageable button portion 124 on the mounting portion 120 of the flexible actuator member 102 causes flexible connector portion 130 to move the attachment portion 110 to the end of the channel 34. Accordingly, the contact surface 82 of the bit extension 80 is removed from the channel 34. At that point, the flexible connector portion 130 pushes the attachment portion 110 laterally so as to move the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 in a lateral direction onto the forward facing abutment surface 92 on the central column 32. The bit assembly 70 is then in its forwardly extended in-use configuration.

In the forwardly extended in-use configuration, the contact surface 82 of the bit assembly 70 is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against the forward facing abutment surface 92 to preclude rearward movement of the bit assembly 70 due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from the tool bit 72. Rearwardly directed longitudinal forces are transmitted from the tool bit 72, through the first stop surface 74 on the tool bit 72, to the second stop surface 82 on the bit extension 80, through the bit extension 80, and to the forward facing abutment surface 92.

In the forwardly extended in-use configuration, the contact surface 82 of the bit extension 80 disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against the forward facing abutment surface 92, and the bit assembly 70 in contact with the rearward facing abutment surface 90. Accordingly, the overmolded plastic back end portion 76 is compressed slightly so as to ensure that the bit assembly 70 is retained snugly between the forward facing abutment surface 92 and the rearward facing abutment surface 90.

The actuator member 102 and the bit assembly 70 then move back to the retracted configuration in the following manner. The contact surface 82 of the bit assembly 70 is removed in a lateral direction from the longitudinal force transmitting engagement with the forward facing abutment surface 92 by means of rearward movement of the user engageable button portion 124 (mounting portion) of the flexible actuator member 102, which in turn causes the attachment portion 110 of the flexible actuator member 102 to move the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 in a lateral direction off the forward facing abutment surface 92 on the central column 32, without having to first perform a separate unlocking function.

There is also a longitudinal channel 34 for each bit assembly 70, and each longitudinal channel 34 has a longitudinal guide surface 35. The longitudinal channel 34 and longitudinal guide surface 35 each have a front end 34f, 35f, respectively, and a back end 34b, 35b, respectively. The forward facing abutment surface 92 on the central column 32 is disposed at the front end of each longitudinal channel 34 and each longitudinal guide surface 35, and is oriented substantially transversely to each longitudinal channel 34 and each longitudinal guide surface 35.

In use, each bit assembly 70 slides along its longitudinal channel 34 with at least part of the bit assembly 70 sliding along the longitudinal guide surface 35, between the retracted configuration and the forwardly extended in-use configuration, specifically before the forwardly extended intermediate configuration. When the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 reaches the front end 34f of the longitudinal channel 34 and the front end 35f of the longitudinal guide surface 35, the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 is moved in a lateral direction over the forward facing abutment surface 92 on the central column 32, to essentially “lock” the bit assembly 70 in place. This function happens automatically as the bit assembly 70 is moved forwardly into its forwardly extended in-use configuration. Accordingly, moving a bit assembly 70 from its retracted configuration to its forwardly extended in-use configuration is a one step process.

The housing 30 further comprises a tool bit directing portion 29, as can be best seen in FIGS. 12 through 14. The tool bit directing portion 29 comprises a ramp disposed between the front end of the longitudinal channel 34 and the bit chuck 62. When a tool bit 72 slidingly contacts the ramp 29, as it moves from its retracted configuration towards its forwardly extended in-use configuration, the tool bit 72 is directed towards the bit-receiving opening 64 in the bit chuck 62, thus helping the tool bit 72 to subsequently enter the bit-receiving opening 64. The tool bit 72 also typically deflects off the cone portion 60 of the housing 30 adjacent the bit-receiving opening 64 in the bit chuck 62, in order to help guide the tool bit 72 into the bit-receiving opening 64.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the bit chuck 62 aligns the tool bit 72 along the longitudinal axis “L”. As can be best seen in FIG. 14, the contact surface 82 of the bit assembly 70 is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against the forward facing abutment surface 92, slightly past (or over) the longitudinal axis “L” with respect to the actuator means, as can be seen in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the tool bit axis “T” would be oriented at slight angle with respect to the longitudinal axis “L”. This type of function is commonly referred to as over-the-centre, helps ensure that the rearwardly directed longitudinal forces do not push the back end 86 of the bit extension 80 off the forward facing abutment surface 92, thus providing proper operation of the multi-bit screwdriver against even strong rearwardly directed longitudinal forces from the tool bit 72.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a multi-bit screwdriver wherein the tool bits can be moved to their extended in-use configuration and then back to their retracted configuration using one hand only, which manipulation is easy to perform and which is a one step process, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the multi-bit screwdriver of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The screwdriver of claim 1, wherein each said bit assembly comprises a tool bit and a bit extension attached to said tool bit.

3. The screwdriver of claim 2, wherein each said bit extension is operatively attached in hinged relation to said tool bit.

4-22. (canceled)

23. 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;means on said housing for receiving said tool bits singularly in torque transmitting relation;a rearward facing abutment surface disposed within said housing;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 intermediate configuration whereat said tool bit extends outwardly from said housing and said bit assembly contacts said rearward facing abutment surface, and a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat said contact surface of said bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against said forward facing 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.

24. The screwdriver of claim 23, wherein each said bit assembly comprises a tool bit and a bit extension attached to said tool bit.

25-45. (canceled)

46. 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;a rearward facing abutment surface disposed within said housing;a flexible actuator member extending from each said bit assembly exteriorly to said housing for operative engagement by a user, and mounted in sliding relation within a slot in said housing for co-operative movement of said actuator means and said bit assembly between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended intermediate configuration whereat said tool bit extends outwardly from said housing and said bit assembly contacts said rearward facing abutment surface, a forwardly extended in-use configuration, and back to said retracted configuration;means for receiving said tool bits singularly in torque transmitting relation when said bit assembly is in said forwardly extended in-use configuration; and,means for receiving each said bit assembly in longitudinal force transmitting engagement thereagainst, to preclude rearward movement of said bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from said tool bit.

47. The screwdriver of claim 46, wherein each said bit assembly comprises a tool bit and a bit extension attached to said tool bit.

48-69. (canceled)

70. In a multi-bit screwdriver having a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within a housing, said bit assemblies being selectively movable between a forwardly extended in-use configuration and a retracted configuration, the improvement comprising: each said bit assembly having a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end;a longitudinal channel for each bit assembly, having a front end and a back end, wherein each bit assembly slides along its longitudinal channel between said retracted configuration and said forwardly extended in-use configuration;an abutment surface disposed at the front end of each said longitudinal channel and oriented substantially transversely to each said longitudinal channel, for receiving said contact surface of said bit assembly longitudinal force transmitting engagement when said bit assembly is in said forwardly extended in-use configuration.

71-75. (canceled)

76. In a multi-bit screwdriver having a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within a housing, said bit assemblies being selectively movable between a forwardly extended in-use configuration and a retracted configuration, the improvement comprising: each said bit assembly having a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end;a longitudinal guide surface for each bit assembly, having a front end and a back end, wherein each bit assembly slides along its longitudinal guide surface between said retracted configuration and said forwardly extended in-use configuration;an abutment surface disposed at the front end of each said longitudinal guide surface and oriented substantially transversely to each said longitudinal guide surface, for receiving said contact surface of said bit assembly longitudinal force transmitting engagement when said bit assembly is in said forwardly extended in-use configuration.

77-81. (canceled)

82. In a multi-bit screwdriver having a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within a housing, said bit assemblies being selectively movable between a forwardly extended in-use configuration and a retracted configuration, the improvement comprising: each said bit assembly having a tool bit with a first stop surface and a bit extension with a second stop surface and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein said tool bit is pivotally attached to said bit extension for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented substantially transversely to said longitudinal axis between an oblique angular position and a forward-oriented angular position whereat said first and second stop surfaces abut against each other.

83-90. (canceled)

91. A bit assembly for use in multi-bit driver, said bit assembly comprising: a tool bit having a first stop surface; and,a bit extension having a second stop surface and defining a longitudinal tool bit axis; and,wherein said tool bit is pivotally attached to said bit extension for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented substantially transversely to said longitudinal tool bit axis between an oblique angular position, and a forward-oriented angular position whereat said first and second stop surfaces abut against each other in force transmitting relation.

92. The bit assembly of claim 91, wherein said tool bit comprises an overmolded back end portion, and said tool bit is pivotally attached at said overmolded back end portion to said bit extension.

93-97. (canceled)

98. A bit extension for use in a bit assembly of a multi-bit driver, said bit extension comprising: a main body having a front end and a back end; and, a stop surface at said front end.

99. The bit extension of claim 98, further comprising a contact surface adjacent said back end.

100. (canceled)

101. A multi-bit driver comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis;a forward facing abutment surface disposed within said housing; and,a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within said housing, each bit assembly having a tool bit and a bit extension operatively attached to said tool bit;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;actuator means for moving said bit assembly between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat said bit extension is interposed between said tool bit and said forward facing abutment surface, and back to said retracted configuration.

102. The bit assembly of claim 101, wherein said bit extension is operatively attached in hinged relation to said tool bit.

103. A bit assembly for use in a multi-bit driver, said bit assembly comprising: a tool bit;a bit extension operatively attached to said tool bit; and,actuator means operatively attached to said bit extension, for moving said bit assembly between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended in-use configuration, and back to said retracted configuration.

104. The bit assembly of claim 103, wherein said bit extension is pivotally attached to said tool bit.

105. (canceled)

106. A method of locking in place in an in-use position the bit assembly of a multi-bit driver, wherein said bit assembly has a bit extension, said method comprising the steps of: sliding said bit assembly forwardly between a retracted configuration and a forwardly extended intermediate configuration; and,when said bit assembly is in said forwardly extended intermediate configuration, moving the back end of said bit extension in a lateral direction over a forward facing abutment surface to thereby move said bit assembly to said forwardly extended in-use configuration, wherein said bit assembly is locked in place in said forwardly extended in-use configuration.

107. (canceled)

108. (canceled)

109. A method of moving a bit assembly of a multi-bit driver to a forwardly extended in-use configuration, wherein said bit assembly has a bit extension, said method comprising the steps of: directing a tool bit towards a bit-receiving opening in a bit chuck, thus helping the tool bit to subsequently enter the bit-receiving opening;deflecting off the housing of the multi-bit driver adjacent the bit-receiving opening in the bit chuck, in order to guide the tool bit into the bit-receiving opening; and,aligning the tool bit along a longitudinal axis “L” such that a contact surface of the bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against a forward facing abutment surface.

110-111. (canceled)