Patent Application
20170252916
This disclosure relates to multibit fastener drivers.
Multibit hand tools suffer from a variety of difficult problems in design and operation. Bits are frequently lost by users and storing unused bits in the handle of a hand tool causes such tools to be unacceptably bulky, uncomfortable to use and require inefficient procedures to manage and change bits. In some designs, storage components which can be added to multibit hand tools result in unwieldy tools having poor balance and impractical overall dimensions. Additionally, the use of a tool handle to provide bit storage can fail to offer sufficient storage space for bits, exhibit poor bit retention resulting in bits falling out of storage, or alternatively can suffer from problems of failing to properly release bits from storage.
For ratcheting hand tools, the presence of a ratcheting mechanism complicates the storage of bits in, or attached, to a handle. The ratcheting mechanism is an obstruction which prevents access to, or release of, a bit from the ratchet end of the handle. Thus, the handle-based storage of bits for a ratcheting hand tool requires the operator to both insert and remove a bit from storage from the non-ratcheting end of the tool which is difficult, unwieldy and inefficient. For example, because the ratcheting mechanism obstructs the front of a ratcheting screwdriver, an operator can be forced to engage in a difficult and inconvenient process of inserting and removing a bit from storage in a handle solely from the end opposite of the ratchet mechanism, which can involve backing the stored bit out of the through hole, while managing a bit which is not stored, plucking and managing the newly released bit, and then storing the bit which was not previously in storage. It is difficult for an operator to manage a hand tool and an unstored bit, remove a stored bit by backing it out of the handle and then storing the unstored bit under normal conditions of operation. There is a strong need for improved bit storage for hand tools using multiple bits.
In some embodiments, a hand tool, such as a fastener driver, can have a handle body with a handle axis and a bit chamber which can have a bit chamber axis. The bit chamber axis and the handle axis can form a bypass angle which can have a value of greater than zero and less than 45°. In some embodiments, the bypass angle can provide a bypass clearance distance between a bit which is passing through a bit chamber outlet and a portion of a fastener driver front section. In further embodiments, the bit chamber can be adapted to store a first bit and can be configured such that the first bit moving out of storage from the bit chamber can move in the same general direction as a second bit moving into storage in the bit chamber. In yet additional embodiments, the bit chamber is adapted to have at least a portion of a bit grip.
In some embodiments, the hand tool can use a bypass angle which can have a value in a range of from 1° to 33°. In further embodiments, the bypass clearance distance can allow a bit which is passing through a bit chamber outlet to move past a ratchet mechanism without physical contact with the ratchet mechanism. In yet additional embodiments, the bypass angle can provide a handle clearance distance and/or a ratchet clearance distance.
In some embodiments, the hand tool can have a ratio of a bit chamber outlet radius to a bit chamber inlet radius which is greater than 1:1. In further embodiments, the bit chamber axis is not a constant distance from the handle axis along at least a portion of the bit chamber length. In yet additional embodiments, the hand tool can have a first bit chamber having a first bit chamber axis which is not parallel with the handle axis; and a second bit chamber having a second bit chamber axis which is not parallel with the handle axis.
In embodiments, the hand tool can have an exit path for a bit. In some embodiments, the exit path can have an exit path axis which is generally straight. In further embodiments, the exit path can have an exit path axis which is in part, or wholly, not straight. In yet additional embodiments, the exit path can have an exit path boundary configured to have a clearance distance from the handle body. In still further embodiments, the exit path can have an exit path boundary configured to have a clearance distance from a ratchet mechanism.
In some embodiments, the hand tool can have an exit chute.
In some embodiments, a fastening device can have a bit chamber having a bit grip which can have a bit channel. In further embodiments, the bit channel can have a first projection and a second projection which can be configured to receive at least a portion of a bit. The first projection can be configured for reversible contact with at least a portion of the bit when at least a portion of the bit is in the bit channel, and the second projection can be configured for reversible contact with at least a portion of the bit when at least a portion of the bit is in the bit channel. The bit grip can be adapted to reversibly retain and/or maintain a bit in a stored state.
In some embodiments, the bit grip can be configured at least in part in a bit chamber. In further embodiments, the fastening device can have a grip angle which is greater than zero degrees as measured between a first projection axis of the first projection and a second projection axis of the second projection. In further embodiments, the bit grip can have a polymer material and/or a magnet which can attract and/or magnetically affect a bit.
In some embodiments, a bit retainer can have at least one bit grip which can have a distal projection and a proximal projection, and in which at least a portion of the distal projection and at least a portion of the proximal projection can form at least a portion of a bit channel. The bit channel can be adapted to reversibly receive at least a portion of a bit in a bit chamber. The bit grip can be adapted to reversibly retain the bit in the bit chamber. In further embodiments, the bit retainer can have a number of the bit grips.
In some embodiments, the fastener driver can use a method of releasing a bit which can have the steps of: providing a fastener driver which can have a handle body and a rear end; providing a bit chamber in the handle body which can have a bit chamber inlet and a bit chamber outlet; providing a bypass angle which is greater than zero degrees (0°); providing a first bit in a stored state which can be reversibly stored in the bit chamber, the first bit having a first drive head proximate to the rear end, a first bit shank and a first bit tip; providing a second bit which can be in an unstored state, the second bit having a second bit drive head, a second bit shank and a second bit tip; contacting the first drive head of the first bit in a stored state with the second bit tip of the second bit in an unstored state; applying a motive force upon the first drive head by the second bit tip; causing by the motive force the first bit to move away from the rear end through the bit chamber outlet and into an unstored state; and moving the second bit through the bit chamber inlet and into a reversibly stored state.
In some embodiments, the method of releasing a bit can also have the steps of: providing an exit chute which can have at least a portion of the exit chute proximate to the bit chamber outlet; and moving at least a portion of the first bit adjacent to the portion of the exit chute proximate to the bit chamber outlet when the first bit is moved from a stored state into an unstored state.
In some embodiments, the method of releasing a bit can also have the step of providing the bypass angle to achieve a bypass clearance distance greater than zero mm (0 mm) when the first bit is moved from a stored state into an unstored state. In some embodiments, the method of releasing a bit can also have the step of providing the bypass angle to achieve a ratchet clearance distance and/or a handle clearance distance that is greater than zero mm (0 mm) when the first bit is moved from a stored state into an unstored state.
In some embodiments, the fastener driver can use a method for reversibly storing a bit, comprising the steps of: providing a fastening driver having one or more of a bit chamber; the bit chamber can be adapted to have a bit grip; the bit chamber and the bit grip can be adapted to receive at least a portion of a bit; moving the at least a portion of the bit into reversible contact with the grip; achieving a stored state of the bit in reversible contact with the grip; maintaining the bit in the stored state for a time greater than zero; moving the bit such that no contact exists between the bit grip and the bit; and achieving an unstored state of the bit when no contact exists between the bit grip and the bit.
In some embodiments, the method of reversibly storing a bit can also have the steps of: using a free bit in an unstored state to impart a motive force upon a portion of the bit in the stored state; and moving the bit in the stored state by the motive force such that no contact exists between the bit grip and the bit.
In some embodiments, the method of reversibly storing a bit can also have the steps of: using a free bit in an unstored state to impart a motive force upon a portion of the bit in the stored state; moving the bit in the stored state by the motive force such that no contact exists between the bit grip and the bit to achieve an unstored state of the bit; and moving the free bit into reversible contact with the bit grip achieving a stored state of the free bit.
In some embodiments, the method of reversibly storing a bit can also through a single motion achieves the steps of moving the free bit to impart a motive force upon the stored bit; moving the free bit into reversible contact with the bit grip, and achieving a stored state of the free bit. This single motion can change the state of the bit from stored to unstored, and also change the state of the free bit from unstored to stored.
This disclosure in its several aspects and embodiments solves the problems discussed above and significantly advances the technology of multibit fastener drivers. The present disclosure can become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Herein, like reference numbers in one figure refer to like reference numbers in another figure.
This disclosure relates to the many and varied embodiments of a multibit fastener driver and to methods for using the multibit fastener device, as well as for storing and using bits. The technology disclosed herein can be used in fastener drivers such as, but not limited to, ratcheting and non-ratcheting fastener drivers, hand tools having a driver bar and hand tools using a hand turned handle to drive a fastener, such as screwdrivers and nut drivers.
In some embodiments, the storage system can simultaneously store a number of bits 50. In non-limiting example, the number of the bits 50 stored simultaneously can range from 0-4 bits, or 1-4 bits, or 1-6 bits, or 1-8 bits, or 1-10 bits, or 1-12 bits, or greater. In an aspect, the storage system can be empty with zero (0) bits in storage, while optionally a bit 50 can be engaged with the driver bar 63.
The ratcheting screwdriver 2 can have a ratchet mechanism 60 which optionally can have a directional switch and multiple settings, such as settings to achieve a ratcheting clockwise, a ratcheting counterclockwise, as well as a locked setting in which no ratcheting can occur. The ratchet mechanism 60 can be coupled to and can drive a driver bar 63 which optionally can be removable or non-removable. Optionally, the driver bar 63 used can be selected from a variety of lengths and designs. The driver bar 63 can have a socket 65, which optionally can be a magnetic socket 67. The socket 65 can be configured to accept a wide variety of bits 50.
In an embodiment, an operator can select a bit 50 from a selection of one or more bits 50 of similar or different types which can be loose, or stored in the handle 57. An operator can store a number of bits, e.g. 1-4 bits, in the handle of the example embodiment of
The embodiment of
In some embodiments, the bit 50 can have the drive head 55, a bit shank 53 and a bit tip 51. This disclosure is not limited as to the type of bit 50, or bit tip 51, which can be used with the fastener driver 1 and bit storage technology disclosed herein. A broad variety of bit types, shank types, tip types and drive head types can be used. In the non-limiting example of
In some embodiments, the fastener driver 1 can be in non-limiting example be a screwdriver 3, a nut driver, or a hex driver, and can optionally have one or more bit storage chambers 99 that are non-parallel and not perpendicular to its primary axis, such as the longitudinal axis 998 (
In some embodiments, a fastening driver can have single or multiple storage ports and/or bit chambers 99, in which the center of the bit chamber's entrance and center of the bit chamber's exit are unequal distances from the longitudinal axis 998 and/or driver centerline axis 999.
A broad variety of tip designs and configurations can be used.
The geometry of the socket 65 and the type of bits 50 used with the ratcheting fastener driver 2 is not limited herein, such as hex six (6) point, or hex twelve (12) point sockets. In an embodiment, the socket can accept a hex drive head bit. However, a wide variety of socket and bit configurations can be used with the technology disclosed herein.
Numeric values and ranges herein, unless otherwise stated, also are intended to have associated with them a tolerance and to account for variances of design and manufacturing, and/or operational and performance fluctuations. Thus, a number disclosed herein is intended to disclose values “about” that number. For example, a value X is also intended to be understood as “about X”. Likewise, a range of Y-Z, is also intended to be understood as within a range of from “about Y-about Z”. Unless otherwise stated, significant digits disclosed for a number are not intended to make the number an exact limiting value. Variance and tolerance, as well as operational or performance fluctuations, are an expected aspect of mechanical design and the numbers disclosed herein are intended to be construed to allow for such factors (in non-limiting e.g., ±10 percent of a given value). This disclosure is to be broadly construed. Likewise, the claims are to be broadly construed in their recitations of numbers and ranges.
The bits 50 disclosed herein can be in English measure, metric measure or otherwise. For example, in some embodiments, the bits 50 can be in English measure and can have bit sizes in a range of from 1/16 in to 1 in, or ⅛ in to ¾ in, or 3/16 in to 7/16 in, or ⅛ in to ½ in, such as 3/16 in, ¼ in, or 5/16 in. In some embodiments, the bits 50 can be of metric measure and can have bit sizes in a range of from 2 mm to 30 mm, or 3 mm to 25.4 mm, or 3 mm to 12.7 mm, or 4 mm to 8 mm, such as 3 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, or 12 mm.
The bit length 620 (
In some embodiments which use a curved exit path, the curving and/or faceting of the curved exit path can be configured to accommodate one or more bit sizes. The smaller the bit, the smaller the radius of a curve portion, facet or section can be used.
The handle 57 embodiment of
The handle grip 90 can be overmolded and can have an ergonomic feel, as well as optionally to deform as the bit retainer 234 (
The handle 57 can be used to store a number of the bits 50, e.g. 1 . . . n bits, in which n can be as large as the handle geometry will accommodate. For example, n can be from 1 to 10, or more, of the bits 50 which can be stored in the bit storage system 56 of the handle 57.
In some embodiments, the bit chambers 99 are through holes in the handle 57 arranged in a revolver pattern, which can be a radial pattern, radially about the driver centerline axis 999 which can be collinear with a longitudinal axis 998 of the fastener driver 1. These through holes can be coordinated such that they are not parallel with the longitudinal axis 998 of the screwdriver, not parallel to the driver centerline axis 999, and can be arranged in the body in a revolver and/or radial pattern about the longitudinal axis 998 of the ratcheting screwdriver 5. In some embodiments, the through holes can be off-axis to the longitudinal axis 998, which can be collinear with the driver centerline axis 999.
In some embodiments, the fastener driver 1 can have a perpendicular distance, or other distance, between the bit and the longitudinal axis 998 which changes along the length of a bit and/or as the bit moves toward the front end of the fastener driver 1 as the bit is moved through and/or from bit storage, or a bit storage chamber.
In some embodiments, the geometry of each of the bit chambers 99 and exit chutes 68, such as 1st exit chute 168 and 2nd exit chute 268, can be configured to allow each of the bits 50 to be removed from a bit chamber 99 free of obstruction or physical interference from the ratchet mechanism 60 or a handle front portion 575 (
As shown in the example of
In some embodiments, the ratcheting screwdriver 5 which can have a ratchet mechanism 60. Optionally, the ratchet mechanism 60 can be configured proximate to the handle body 69. For example, the ratchet mechanism 60 can have a rear ratchet end 62 proximate to the handle front end 69. A front ratchet end 61 can provide an interface with the driver bar 63.
The driver bar 63 can have a front bar end 8 and a socket 65 which can accept the drive head 55 of a bit 50.
In some embodiments, the bit chamber inlet 101 can have a different diameter than the bit chamber outlet 102.
In an embodiment, the overall fastener driver length 600 can be measured from the rear end 9 to the front end 79. The overall fastener driver length 600 can have a value in non-limiting example of 50 mm or greater, or 150 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the overall fastener driver length 600 can have a value in the range of from 50 mm to 600 mm, or 100 to 300 mm, or 150 mm to 250 mm, or 150 mm to 200 mm, such as 100 mm, 150 mm, 190 mm, 300 mm, or 400 mm. In some embodiments for non-limiting example, the overall fastener driver length 600, with an engaged bit, can be 174 mm, or 154 mm.
The handle length 605 can be measured from the rear end 9 to the front handle end 59. The handle length 605 can in non-limiting example have a value of 50 mm or greater, or 150 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the handle length 605 can have a value in the range of from 50 mm to 300 mm, or 75 to 200 mm, or 50 mm to 150 mm, or 50 mm to 130 mm, such as 100 mm, 110 mm, or 120 mm. In an embodiment, the handle length 605 can be 110.5 mm.
The ratcheting mechanism length 610 of the ratchet mechanism 60 can be measured from the rear ratchet end 62 to the front ratchet end 61. The ratcheting mechanism length 610 can have a value in non-limiting example of 3 mm or greater, or 10 mm or greater, or 20 mm, or 40 mm, or greater. In some embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism length 610 can have a value in the range of from 3 mm to 50 mm, or 5 to 30 mm, or 5 mm to 25 mm, or 8 to 15 mm, such as 8 mm, or 10 mm, or 12 mm, or 15 mm.
The driver bar length 615 of the driver bar 63 can be measured from the front ratchet end 61 to the front bar end 8. The driver bar length 615 can have a value in non-limiting example of 5 mm or greater, or 50 mm or greater, or 600 mm, or greater. In some embodiments, the driver bar length 615 can have a value in the range of from 3 mm to 600 mm, or 5 to 30 mm, or 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 to 75 mm, such as 15 mm, or 25 mm, or 30 mm, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the handle can receive interchangeable driver bars of a variety of lengths and for driving a variety of different types of fasteners. In some embodiments, the driver bar can be a bolstered driver bar which can have a portion adapted to allow a torque enhancement device, such as a wrench and/or adjustable wrench to engage the driver bar and exert additional torque in addition to that provided by an operator's hand turning the handle.
The bit length 620 can be measured from the rear bit end 58 to the front end 79. The bit length 620 can have in non-limiting example a value of 5 mm or greater, or 50 mm or greater, or 200 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the bit length 620 can have a value in the range of from 3 mm to 200 mm, or 5 to 100 mm, or 10 mm to 75 mm, or 15 to 60 mm, such as 15 mm, or 25 mm, or 30 mm, or 50 mm.
Optionally, in some embodiments, the handle 57 can have a rear handle body length 616 and a front handle body length 618. The rear handle body length 616 can in non-limiting example be measured from the rear end 9 to a bit chamber outlet 102, such as the 1st bit chamber outlet 120 which can optionally be surrounded by outlet face 122 and/or the 2nd bit chamber outlet 220 which can optionally be surrounded by outlet face 222. The rear handle body length 616 can have a value of 30 mm or greater, or 50 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the rear handle body length 616 can have a value in the range of from 20 mm to 100 mm, or 25 mm to 75 mm, or 25 mm to 50 mm, such as 50 mm, or 55 mm, or 60 mm, or 70 mm, or 80 mm.
The front handle body length 618 can be measured from the bit chamber outlet 102, such as the 1st bit chamber outlet 120 and/or the 2nd bit chamber outlet 220 to the handle front end 59. The front handle body length 618 can in non-limiting example have a value of 30 mm or greater, or 50 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the front handle body length 618 can have a value in the range of from 20 mm to 150 mm, or 25 mm to 100 mm, or 35 mm to 75 mm, such as 40 mm, or 50 mm, or 60 mm, or 70 mm, or 80 mm.
When the bit 50 is removed from storage in a bit chamber 99, the bit 50 can move past at least a part of fastener driver front section 619. The bypass angle 925 (
The rear handle body length 616 can be measured from the rear end 9 to a bit chamber outlet 102, such as the 3rd bit chamber outlet 320 and/or the 4th bit chamber outlet 420. The front handle body length 618 can be measured from the bit chamber outlet 102, such as the 3rd bit chamber outlet 320 and/or the 4th bit chamber outlet 420 to the handle front end 59.
Like dimensions in
The ratchet mechanism 60 can have a maximum ratchet radius 550, which can be measured perpendicular to the driver centerline axis 999 and/or the ratchet mechanism axis 1020. A maximum ratchet diameter 560 is also shown.
In some embodiments, the fastener driver 1, such as a ratcheting fastener driver 2, can have bit chamber 99 which can be through holes which can be angled away from the longitudinal axis 998 such that the bit does not travel parallel to the longitudinal axis 998 of the fastener driver 1 when placed in or removed from storage, which can avoid the bit 50 being obstructed during removal from the bit chamber 99 by features of the front end of the fastening driver 1, such as the ratchet mechanism 60, the handle front portion 575, or other features.
Using a bypass angle 925 allows the use of the ratchet mechanism 60 at a location proximate to the handle front portion 575 without obstructing the exit path 180. For example, the bypass angle 925 achieves an exit path 180 for a bit 50 which is not obstructed by the ratchet mechanism and achieves a one-step storage and/or release functionality, or single motion storage and/or release functionality, for a bit 50. For example, 1st bypass angle 125 achieves a 1st exit path 181 for a 1st bit 10. Thus, a single action, or single motion, push and pick capability is achieved in the hand tool of
The use of a bypass angle 925 avoids the need to use an impractically large handle to bypass an obstruction to the removal of a bit 50 when removed from a stored state 582 by a motion in a direction from the rear end 9 toward the front driver end 8.
The bypass angle 925 can range from zero degrees (0°) to 90° from the driver centerline axis. In an embodiment, the bypass angle, such as in non-limiting example, the 1st bypass angle 125 and/or the 3rd bypass angle 325, can have a value in a range of 0° to 90°, or 33° to 66°, or 0° to 33°, 15° to 33°, or 0° to 15°, or 5° to 10°, or 3° to 8°, or 2° to 5°, or 1° to 3°, such as 1°, or 2°, or 3°, or 4°, or 5°, or 8°, or 10°.
In the embodiment of
The embodiment of
The bypass angle 925 achieves a configuration which provides a bypass clearance distance 199 is the clearance distance by which the bit 50 exiting a bit chamber 99 can move past an obstruction, such as a handle front portion 575 and/or a ratchet mechanism 60, or other obstruction. When removed, the bypass angle 925 provides a bypass clearance distance 199 which in some embodiments is the distance between a proximate surface 118 of the bit 50, which can be the portion of the bit closest to the potential obstruction to its movement and the potential obstruction when the bit is radially planar to the potential obstruction. Where a bypass clearance distance 199 is greater than zero the bit 50 can move without interference past the potential obstruction to fully exit the bit chamber 99.
A handle bypass clearance 201 can also achieve the ratchet clearance distance 98 between the maximum ratchet radius 550 and the proximate surface 118 of a bit. In some embodiments, the ratchet clearance distance 98 can be in a range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, or 1 mm to 10 mm, or 1 mm to 5 mm, such as 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.9 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, or 10 mm. Each of the 1st ratchet clearance distance 190, 2nd ratchet clearance distance 290, 3rd ratchet clearance distance 390, and 4th ratchet clearance distance 490, can respectively have a value in a range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, or 1 mm to 10 mm, or 1 mm to 5 mm, such as 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm. Each of the respective ratchet clearance distances can be the same or different.
The 3rd bypass angle 325 achieves a 3rd exit path 381 for a 3rd bit 30. In the embodiment of
The 3rd bypass angle 325 can achieve the bypass clearance distance 199. A handle bypass clearance 201 can be the handle clearance distance 202 between the maximum handle front end radius 577 and the proximate surface 118 of the 3rd bit 30.
The 3rd bypass angle 325 measured from the driver centerline axis 999 to the 3rd bit chamber axis 3000 can be used to orient the 3rd bit chamber 300 in relation to position the 3rd exit path 381 such that the 3rd proximate surface 38 of the 3rd bit 30 can be moved past the handle front end 59 and the ratchet mechanism 60 without interference.
The 3rd bypass angle 325 can be used to orient the 3rd bit chamber 300 in relation to position the 3rd exit path 381 such that the 3rd proximate surface 38 of the 3rd bit 30 can be moved past the ratchet mechanism 60 with a 3rd ratchet clearance distance 390.
The
As shown in
The front handle body is shown having a number of the exit chute 68, such as the exit chute 168, the exit chute 268 and the exit chute 368. The exit chute 468 is hidden in this perspective (see
In some embodiments, the bit retainer 234 can have a number of the bit grip 249, such as in a range of 1 to 10 bit grips 249, for non-limiting example 1, 2, 3, 4, or more.
The 1st bit retainer 135 is shown to have: a 1st bit grip 150 in which the 1st bit 10 which has the 1st bit axis 1100 and which can be reversibly maintained in a stored state 580; and a 4th bit grip 450 in which the 4th bit 40 which has the 4th bit axis 1400 and which can be reversibly maintained in a stored state 580. The bypass angle 125 and the bypass angle 425 are shown.
The 2nd bit retainer 235 is shown to have: a 2nd bit grip 250 in which the 2nd bit 20 which has the 2nd bit axis 1200 and which can be reversibly maintained in a stored state 580; and a 3rd bit grip 350 in which the 3rd bit 30 which has the 3rd bit axis 1300 and which can be reversibly maintained in a stored state 580. The bypass angle 225 and the bypass angle 325 are shown.
The ratio of the outlet radius 991 to the inlet radius 992 can be in a range of from 1:1 to 10:1, or greater than 1:1 to 10:1, or 2:1 to 5:1, or 2:1 to 3:1, such as 2.0, or 2.4, or 2.6, or 3.0, or 4.0. In some embodiments, the ratio of the outlet radius 991 to the inlet radius 992 is greater than 1:1.
Optionally, the handle body 69 (
The example embodiment of
Each of the bits 50 are separated by a bit separation angle 1090. For example: a 1st bit separation angle 1091 is shown between the 1st bit chamber axis 1000 and the 2nd bit chamber axis 2000; a 2nd bit separation angle 1092 is shown between the 2nd bit chamber axis 2000 and the 3rd bit chamber axis 3000; a 3rd bit separation angle 1093 is shown between the 3rd bit chamber axis 3000 and the 4th bit chamber axis 4000; and a 4th bit separation angle 1094 is shown between the 4th bit chamber axis 4000 and the 1st bit chamber axis 1000.
In the embodiment of
As shown in
In an embodiment, for example when an operator wants to change out bit 50 which is in a stored state 580 with free bit 810, the operator can do so by inserting bit 50 into the through hole containing free bit 810. In an embodiment, the process can begin with the bit 50 which can be inserted in the through hole from the rear of the handle towards the front. The bit 50 will push free bit 810 out of the hole (overcoming the forces imparted by the retention device). At the same time, the free bit 810 can be pushed out of the through hole, while bit 50 can be captured by the retention device. The result of this process is that the free bit 810 can be exposed enough to be easy grabbed by the fingers of the operator, and the bit 50 can be securely stored in the bit chamber 99.
In some embodiments, the action of placing the bit 50 into storage can cause the simultaneous release of another bit for use by an operator and can be accomplished by an operator in one motion and/or on action. In some embodiments, the bypass angle 925 can provide clearance for the movement during removal and/or release a bit past features on the front of the handle, the ratchet mechanism 50, the handle front portion 575, slide-on attachments, bolsters, or other features. In an embodiment, slide on accessories can be used with the driver bar 63, such as a collar, which can also be cleared by an existing bit through the use of a bypass angle.
There is no requirement for collinearity of the free bit 810 in an unstored state 582 when its shaft is not at least in part within the bit chamber 99. Optionally, by mechanical design or by user preference, the bit chamber inlet 101 can receive a bit which is not collinear with the 1st bit chamber axis 1100 and the 1st bit chamber 100 can act to funnel the free bit 810 into the bit chamber 99 while being inserted to achieve a stored state 580 in which the free bit 810 has been stored in the bit chamber 99.
In an embodiment, a bit 50 can be pushed through the bit chamber 99 in single action which both stores the bit 50 and optionally released a previously stored bit in the bit chamber 99. This single action push through process can be referred to as a push and pick design. In an embodiment, the bit 50 can be pushed through the bit chamber 99 in a direction from the rear end 9 toward the front driver end 8, or alternately in the opposite direction from the front driver end 8 to the rear end 9. In some embodiments, the fastener driver 1 can have a bit storage in which the ejected and/or released bit can leave the storage area in the same direction as the inserted bit.
In some embodiments, the fastener driver 1 can have single or multiple storage ports for bits, in which at least half of the storage area itself is a linear path. In other embodiments, the storage chamber and/or exit path can be curved, or multifaceted. Thus, a bit exiting from storage can move along an exit path with can be curved and/or not straight.
In an embodiment, removal of a stored bit 50 can require a push though force greater than 1 Kgf to dislodge a bit in a stored state 580 from a bit from a bit chamber 99. Herein the term “push through force” refers a pushing force imparted to a stored bit in an axial direction generally parallel to the bit centerline axis, or the axial force vector generally parallel to the bit axis of an oblique force upon the bit, which overcomes the forces maintaining the bit in a stored state and moves the bit to an unstored state. In an embodiment, the push through force can be a value in a range of 1 Kgf to 15 Kgf, or 1.5 Kgf to 6 Kgf, or 1.6 Kgf to 2.9 Kgf, or 2.0 to 3.0 Kgf, such as 1.6 Kgf, or 2.2 Kgf, or 2.4 Kgf, or 2.5 Kgf, or 3.5 Kgf, or 4.3 Kgf.
In an embodiment, the bit containment features can utilize a flexible tab geometry, having on or more projections which have frictional and/or pressure forces imparted against a stored bit to reversibly retain and store the bit in the bit chamber 99. Optionally, one or more of a magnetic source 1119 (
The 2nd bit retainer 235 can have a second bit grip 250 and a third bit grip 350. In an embodiment, the second bit grip 250 and the third bit grip 350 are configured as retention components in the 2nd bit chamber 200 and 3rd bit chamber 300 respectively.
The 3rd bit chamber axis 3000 can be at a 3rd bypass angle 325 measured from the driver centerline axis 999 to the 3rd retainer centerline axis 2030.
The 2nd bit grip 250 can be made of a grip material 2950 (
Optionally, the 2nd distal projection 257 and the 2nd proximal projection can be configured to have a grip angle 2049, such as a 2nd grip angle 2052. The grip angle can range from zero degrees (0°) to 90° measured between a distal projection axis 2060 and a proximal projection axis 2070. In an embodiment, the grip angle have a value in a range of 0° to 45°, or 15° to 33°, or 5° to 10°, or 3° to 8°, or 2° to 5°, or 1° to 3°, such as 1°, or 5°, or 10°, or 15°, or 33°, or 45°, or 66°, or 75°.
In some embodiments, a bit retaining device can be an insert which can be used to retain bits inside of a storage area, such as a bit chamber 99. Optionally, an insert can be used to retain the bit 50 within the bit chamber 99 without the need for elastomeric materials. In some embodiments, a bit retaining device can be captured and bound to the handle body 69 by means of an overmold. In an embodiment, the position of a bit within the handle of a bit driver can be maintained when the bit 50 is in a stored state 580. In some embodiments, a bit retaining device can be an insert which can use a flexible cantilever geometry to provide resistance to motion on a bit in storage. In some embodiments, a bit retaining device can be an insert adapted to hold a bit which can be in an orientation that is non parallel to the primary axis of the screwdriver.
In an embodiment, an entrapment feature, such as the bit retainer 234 and/or bit grip 249, can hold bits that are reversibly embedded within the handle body 69 of the handle 57 through a secondary molded component, such as the rear handle body 80.
As shown in
In some embodiments, a bit retaining device can have a magnetic components used to retain the bit within the storage area.
Each of
This disclosure regards a fastener driver and its many aspects, features and elements. Such an apparatus can be dynamic in its use and operation. This disclosure is intended to encompass the equivalents, means, systems and methods of the use of the fastener driver and its many aspects consistent with the description and spirit of the apparatus, means, methods, functions and operations disclosed herein. Other embodiments and modifications will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art as being enabled by and within the scope of this disclosure.
The scope of this disclosure is to be broadly construed. The embodiments herein can be used together, separately, mixed or combined. It is intended that this disclosure disclose equivalents, means, systems and methods to achieve the devices, designs, operations, control systems, controls, activities, mechanical actions, dynamics and results disclosed herein. For each mechanical element or mechanism disclosed, it is intended that this disclosure also encompasses within the scope of its disclosure and teaches equivalents, means, systems and methods for practicing the many aspects, mechanisms and devices disclosed herein. The claims of this application are likewise to be broadly construed.
The description of the technology herein in its many and varied embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the claims and the disclosure herein. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technologies.
It will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made to the above described embodiments of the fastener driver as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claims.
