The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The present invention relates specifically to a screwdriver having an extendable shaft and a handle with storage for multiple alternate bits.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a driving tool including a handle, a shank, and a ratchet assembly. The handle including a first end, a second end opposing the first end and a body portion configured to hold a plurality of tool bits. The shank is coupled to the handle and includes a first end and a second end. The shank extending along a longitudinal axis extending from the first end of the shank to the second end of the shank. The ratchet assembly includes a knob, the knob including a first cam structure and a second cam structure, a gear including a plurality of gear teeth, the gear coupled to the shank and a pawl housing at least partially received within the first end of the handle. The ratchet assembly further including a first pawl and a second pawl each positioned within the pawl housing and including a plurality of pawl teeth facing the gear. The knob is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and when the knob is in a locked position, the ratchet assembly is locked such that the shank does not rotate. When the knob is turned from the locked position in a clockwise direction to a first unlocked position, the ratchet assembly allows the shank to rotate in a clockwise position. When the knob is turned in a clockwise direction to a second unlocked position, the ratchet assembly allows the shank to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a screwdriver including a handle, a shank, and a ratchet assembly. The handle including a first end, a second end opposing the first end and a body portion configured to hold a plurality of tool bits. The shank is coupled to the handle and includes a first end and a second end, the second end of the shank includes a bore. The ratchet assembly is positioned between the first end of the shank and the second end of the shank and includes a pawl housing at least partially received within the first end of the handle and a switch coupled to the handle. The switch includes a first cam structure and a second cam structure, the first and second cam structures extending downward toward the pawl housing. The ratchet assembly further including a gear, a first pawl and a second pawl. The gear includes a plurality of teeth and is coupled to the shank. The first pawl and second pawl are each positioned within the pawl housing and include a plurality of pawl teeth configured to engage the gear teeth of the gear. The first cam structure is configured to engage the first pawl and the second cam structure is configured to engage the second pawl.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a driving tool including a handle, a shank, and a ratchet assembly. The handle including a first end, a second end opposing the first end and a body portion configured to hold a plurality of tool bits. The shank is coupled to the handle and includes a first end and a second end. The shank extends along a longitudinal axis extending from the first end of the shank to the second end of the shank. The ratchet assembly is positioned between the first end of the shank and the second end of the shank and includes a switch coupled to the handle, the switch including a cam structure and a gear including a plurality of gear teeth, the gear coupled to the shank. The ratchet assembly further includes a pawl housing including a recess and a bore, the bore extending along the longitudinal axis, the pawl housing at least partially received within the first end of the handle. The ratchet assembly includes a first pawl and a second pawl each positioned within the recess of the pawl housing, the first pawl and the second pawl each include a plurality of pawl teeth, the plurality of pawl teeth configured to engage the gear teeth and an upper pawl body extending toward the switch, the upper pawl body including a pawl cam surface. The switch is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and the cam structure of the switch extends toward the pawl housing such that when the switch rotates about the longitudinal axis, the cam structure moves to interface with the pawl cam surface of the first pawl or the second pawl.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a screwdriver including a shank, a ratchet assembly, a handle and an end cap coupled to the handle. The shank includes a first end, a second end, and an extended body portion. The first end of the shank includes a bore that removably supports a tool bit (e.g., Phillips-head, flat head, etc.). In a specific embodiment, the shank can be coupled to the handle in a first position where a large portion (e.g. at least 50% of the length) of the extended body portion of the shank extends from the handle such that the tool bit is supported at a first distance from the handle, and the shank can also be coupled to the handle in a second position where a small portion (e.g. less than 50% of the length) of the extended body portion of the shank extends from the handle such that the tool bit is supported at a second distance from the handle that is less than the first distance. In specific embodiments the shank can be moved from the increased length of the first position into the second, retracted position where the second end of the shank is received within the handle. An internal locking mechanism positioned within the handle prevents the shank from unwanted movement once it is placed in the extended or retracted position.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a screwdriver including a shank, a ratchet assembly, a handle and an end cap coupled to the handle. The handle is constructed to provide a covered storage area to hold alternate, additional, or spare tool bits. The Handle includes a bore that surrounds a neck portion that sildably moves between a first, closed position where the alternate bits are enclosed within the handle and a second, open position where the alternate bits are available for access by the user. The neck of the handle includes a plurality of bit holders. The bit holders contain openings sized to hold alternate bits. In a specific embodiment, the handle and neck are sized to include a single grouping of alternate bits. In another specific embodiment, the handle and neck are sized to include two groupings of alternate bits.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a screwdriver with a stabilizing component coupled to the neck of the handle. When the handle is in the open position, the stabilizing component engages an inner surface that defines the bore. The engagement between the inner surface of the bore and stabilizing component decreases movement of the handle when extended. In a specific embodiment, the stabilizing component includes a plurality of arms with radially outward facing surfaces configured to engage with the inner surface of the bore. In specific embodiments, radially outward facing surfaces of the arms provide a friction fit against the inner surface of the bore, and in such embodiments, the arms may be formed to provide a radially outward biasing force to provide for this engagement.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a driving tool, such as a screwdriver, with a ratcheting assembly. The ratcheting assembly includes a knob, a pawl housing, a first pawl, a second pawl and a gear. The ratchet assembly is positioned between the first end of the shank and the second end of the shank. The gear is coupled to shank. The first pawl and second pawl are positioned within the pawl housing and below the knob. When a user turns the knob in a first direction, a first cam structure of the knob moves the first pawl away from the gear such that the first pawl is disengaged, allowing the shank to rotate in the first direction. When the user turns the knob in a second direction, a second cam structure opposing the first cam structure moves the second pawl away from the gear, such that the second pawl is disengaged, allowing the shank to rotate in the second direction.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.
This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:
Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a screwdriver are shown. As discussed herein, Applicant has developed a number of improvements to the functionality of a screwdriver. To allow for more efficient completion of projects, the screwdriver includes a shank that can be coupled to the handle in a first position where a large portion of the extended body portion extends from the handle allowing greater reach. The extended body portion can be coupled to the handle in a second position where a small portion of the extended body portion extends from the handle, allowing use of the same screwdriver in a tighter or smaller space. Further, the screwdriver handle is built to include a covered storage area to hold alternate screwdriver bits. These alternate bits give a user the ability to work with more than one screw type (e.g. Phillips-head, flat head, etc.) using a single tool. Covered storage is particularly useful because it ensures the alternate bits do not fall out during use of the tool.
In various embodiments, Applicant has developed improvements to the stability of the extendable covered storage. In contrast to other covered storage that may become unstable when extended, a stabilizing component on the inner portion of the extendable handle decreases wobbling or instability when the handle is fully extended (e.g., storage portion is opened or uncovered). In a specific embodiment, the stabilizing component includes a plurality of spring arms to engage with the body of the tool around the end of the body such that amount of sway or wobble experienced by the extendable handle is reduced, better securing the alternate screwdriver bits held to the extendable handle.
In various embodiments, Applicant has improved the ratcheting mechanism of the tool. The ratcheting mechanism is more intuitive because when the switch or knob is turned in a direction, that direction is the driving direction of the ratchet mechanism (e.g., turn switch/knob clockwise then ratchet in clockwise direction). Further, Applicant believes the ratcheting mechanism design prevents accidental engagement or disengagement of the ratchet during use. For example, in design in which the driving direction and direction of the ratchet switch/knob are in opposite directions, a user operating the tool (particularly when wearing work gloves) may accidentally bump or turn the switch when applying torque to the handle which would cause the ratcheting mechanism to disengage or engage in the incorrect direction. Therefore, Applicant believes the ratcheting mechanism is easier to use and more efficient because a user should not need to stop to reposition the ratchet switch because of unintentional activation or disengagement of the switch.
Referring to
Handle 16 is shown in a first, closed position. Handle 16 includes a body 32 with a first end 31 and a second end 33 opposing the first end 31. In one embodiment, first end 31 is proximate the ratchet switch 28. In another embodiment, the ratchet assembly 14 is positioned between shank 12 and first end 31 of the handle 16. Second end 33 is coupled to end cap 34. Body 32 is configured to store and/or hold extra tool bits. In a specific embodiment, handle 16 and cylindrical neck 42 are sized to hold a single grouping of alternate bits. In another specific embodiment, screwdriver 10 includes a lanyard attachment 29. Lanyard attachment 29 can spin about longitudinal axis 36 allowing screwdriver 10 to be tethered during use without becoming tangled with the lanyard. Lanyard attachment 29 is positioned between handle 16 the first end 22 of shank 12 such that it does not change the ergonomics of handle 16.
Referring to
Handle body 32 includes a bore 50 extending along longitudinal axis 36. Body 32 surrounds cylindrical neck 42 and alternate bits 48 when handle 16 is in the first, closed position shown in
Referring to
The second end 33 of body 32 surrounds a first end 68 of cylindrical neck 42. A second end 70 of cylindrical neck 42 is coupled to end cap 34. The second end 33 further includes recesses 72 on an inner surface 71 of body 32. Recesses 72 are sized to receive projections 74 of end cap 34. In a specific embodiment, projections 74 keep handle 16 in a closed position.
Referring to
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In a specific embodiment, when collar 130 is in a first, unpressed position, ball 162 is held against shank 12 and more specifically within a recess 171 to lock shank 12 in place. When collar 130 is in a second, pressed position a recess 173 on collar 130 is aligned with ball 162 such that ball 162 can move out of recess 171, allowing shank 12 to move within channel 54.
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Handle body 232 includes a bore 250 extending along longitudinal axis 236. Body 232 surrounds cylindrical neck 242 and alternate bits 248 when handle 216 is in the first, closed position (see e.g.,
When handle 216 is fully extended and cylindrical neck 242 is exposed, a stabilizing or anti-wobble component 230 engages with the second end 233 of body 232 to decrease and/or prevent cylindrical neck 242 from swaying in a manner that could loosen the alternate bits 248 stored on cylindrical neck 242. In a specific embodiment, the stabilizing component 230 may be a generally cylindrical component designed to allow for 360 degree engagement within bore 250. In other embodiments, the stabilizing component 230 may have a different shape and/or engage with the second end 233 of body 232 at discrete locations.
Cylindrical neck 242 further includes an inner channel 260. Inner channel 260 includes a channel wall 262 that surrounds the second end 218 of shank 212. An outer surface 256 of shank 212 is held in place by a clip, shown as a c-clip 258 within inner channel 260. The second end 233 of body 232 further includes an end cap wall 272. End cap wall 272 extends around the second end 233 of body 232 (e.g., wall is circular in shape). End cap wall 272 is sized to be received within a corresponding recess 274 of end cap 234. In a specific embodiment, the combination of end cap wall 272 and recess 274 keep handle 216 in a closed position.
End cap 234 further includes a recess 278 with an inner end wall 276 that extends between opposing sides of recess 278. Recess 278 receives inner channel 260 and channel walls 262 and more specifically ends 82 of channel walls 62. Channel wall 262 of cylindrical neck 242 includes a recess 282. Recess 282 extends around cylindrical neck 242. A cylindrical wall 280 of end cap 234 couples to recess 282 of the cylindrical neck 242.
Referring to
Handle 316 includes a body 332 with a first end 331 and a second end 333. In one embodiment, first end 331 is proximate the first end 322 of shank 312. Second end 333 is coupled to end cap 334. Body 332 is configured to hold and/or store extra or alternate tool bits. In a specific embodiment, handle 316 is sized to hold two grouping of alternate bits. In other embodiments, handle 316 may be sized to hold a different number of groups of alternate bits (e.g., one, three groupings, etc.). Handle 316 further includes a grip portion 315 that extends at least partially around body 332. Grip portion 315 includes a plurality of ridges to improve the grip of a user on handle 316. In a specific embodiment, grip portion 315 is formed from a different material than the rest of handle 316 that provides friction (e.g., rubber).
As will be discussed in greater detail below, ratchet assembly 314 includes a switch or knob 328 and a pawl housing 317. Knob 328 includes a recess 378 configured to receive and rotatably couple to an annular wall 376 of handle 316. Annular wall 376 extends away from first end 331 and toward knob 328. Recess 378 receives annular wall 376 defining the rotating joint of knob 328.
Referring to
Handle body 332 includes a bore 350 extending along longitudinal axis 336. Body 332 surrounds cylindrical neck 342 and alternate bits 348 when handle 316 is in the first, closed position (see e.g.,
When handle 316 is fully extended and cylindrical neck 342 is exposed, a stabilizing or anti-wobble component 330 engages with the second end 333 of body 332 to decrease and/or prevent cylindrical neck 342 from swaying or moving in a manner that could loosen the alternate bits stored on cylindrical neck 342. In other embodiments, the stabilizing component 330 may have a different shape and/or engage with the body 332 at more or fewer discrete locations.
In a specific embodiment, stabilizing component 330 includes a plurality of radial projections or spring arms 386. The plurality of spring arms 386 include a plurality of radially outward facing surfaces 390 to provide a friction fit against the bore 350. In such embodiments, the spring arms 386 may be formed to provide a radially outward biasing force to provide for this engagement. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of spring arms 386 are curved in a counterclockwise direction. In another embodiment, the plurality of spring arms 386 may be curved in a clockwise direction. In such an embodiment, the stabilizing component creates a friction fit as the user slides the covered storage portion of the handle into an open position, reducing wobble or undesired movement.
Referring to
Referring to
Stabilizing component 430 includes an outward facing surface 480 that engages with inner surface of the screwdriver body to decrease the undesired movement or sway of cylindrical neck 442, end cap 434 and the other components of the covered storage (e.g., alternate bits etc.) when the cylindrical neck 442 sliding or in a fully extended position. Stabilizing component 430 further includes a central opening 488 at least partially defined by a central wall 489. Central opening 488 is configured to receive and coupled to cylindrical neck 442 at an end distal from end cap 434.
Referring to
Shank 312 further includes a gear 394 positioned between first end 322 and second end 318 of the shank 312. Gear 394 includes a plurality of gear teeth 395 extending around shank 312. Gear teeth 395 are radially outward facing on an outer surface of gear 394. Pawl housing 317 includes a pawl housing opening 396 extending along longitudinal axis 336 and through pawl housing 317. Pawl housing 317 is at least partially received within recess 391 and opening 392 such that pawl housing opening 396 is connected to opening 392 and bore 350 of handle 316. When screwdriver 300 is assembled, shank 312 extends through pawl housing opening 396 into bore 350 of handle 316 (see e.g.,
Pawl housing 317 includes a pair of pawl recesses 397. Each pawl recess 397 is sized and shaped to receive a pawl 364. Each pawl recess 397 includes a biasing surface 398. Each pawl 364 is coupled to a biasing component, shown as a spring 404. Springs 404 move each pawl 364 relative to their respective biasing surface 398 along a pawl translation axis 365 (see e.g.,
Referring to
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Each pawl 364 includes an angled side surface 426 that faces biasing surface 398 of pawl housing 317 when ratchet assembly 314 is assembled. Angled side surface 426 includes a biasing recess 428. Biasing recess 428 is sized to couple to spring 404 which can act to bias pawl 364. Each pawl 364 further includes a plurality of pawl teeth 425 extending in a generally parallel orientation to cam surface 420. Pawl teeth 425 are configured to engage with gear teeth 395 when the pawl 364 is positioned within pawl recess 397. Specifically, pawl teeth 425 extend radially inward to engage with the radially outward extending gear teeth 395 of gear 394.
Referring to
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When ball 402 of locking mechanism 370 is positioned within the middle or center knob recess 412, neither cam structure 406 is pressed against the pawls 364 or their pawl cam surfaces 320, meaning both sets of pawl teeth 425 are engaged with gear teeth 395 locking the ratchet assembly 314. As a user turns knob 328 in the clockwise direction, ball 402 becomes engaged with one of the outside knob recesses 412 and one of the cam structures 406 pushes against one pawl 364, meaning that one pawl 364 becomes disengaged allowing the gear and shank to turn in a clockwise direction. Similarly, when a user turns knob 328 in the counterclockwise direction, ball 402 becomes engaged with the opposing outside knob recess 412 and the other (opposite pawl of turning clockwise) pawl 364 becomes disengaged allowing the gear and shank to turn in a counterclockwise direction.
In contrast to other ratchet mechanisms that include pivoting pawls, the pawls 364 move in a nonpivoting, non-rotational or translational manner as the cam structures 406 engage with the pawls 364. Further, instead of biasing elements that are parallel to each other, springs 404 of the first and second pawls 364 are aligned (i.e., linear) with each other. Springs 404 define the pawl translation axis 365 (see e.g.,
Referring to
When the screwdriver is assembled, a shank 612 extends along longitudinal axis 636 with at least a portion of shank 612 extending through pawl housing 617. Shank 612 further includes a gear 694 positioned between a first end 622 and second end 618 of the shank 612. Gear 694 includes a plurality of gear teeth 695 extending around shank 612. Pawl housing 617 includes a pawl housing opening 696 extending along longitudinal axis 636 and through pawl housing 617.
Pawl housing 617 includes a pair of pawl recesses portions 697 defined within a pawl housing recess 690. Pawl recesses portions 697 are positioned on opposing sides of pawl housing opening 696. Each pawl recess portion 697 is shaped to correspond to a pawl 664. Each pawl 664 is coupled to a biasing component, shown as a spring 704. Spring 704 is positioned within pawl housing recess 690 and extends between a first pawl 664 and a second pawl 664. Spring 704 moves each pawl 664 relative to their respective pawl recess portion 697 and the other pawl 664.
Pawl housing 617 further includes an outer surface 700 that includes a bore 699. Bore 699 engages with locking mechanism 670 of the ratchet assembly 614. Locking mechanism 670 includes a biasing element, shown as spring 701 and a ball 702. Spring 701 is positioned within bore 699 of pawl housing 617. As knob 628 is turned, one of the knob recesses 712 (see e.g.,
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It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/031053, filed on May 26, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/286,944, filed on Dec. 7, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/194,020, filed on May 27, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63194020 | May 2021 | US | |
63286944 | Dec 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2022/031053 | May 2022 | US |
Child | 17827000 | US |