Patent Application
20070053754
The universal quick flex is a flexible drill attachment capable of extending a drilling device into small areas.
Drilling holes in small or tight places has been a problem that has existed for years. Electric drills are a great improvement over the hand drills that were most commonly used in the past. Unfortunately, electric drills are not the cure all for all situations. They tend to be bigger and more bulky than hand drills. Since they are bulky and require a certain amount of space for getting the drill at the proper angle, there are areas where you are not able to use an electric drill. Examples of various types of electric drills are disclosed in U.S. Design Patent D486,049, U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,452 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,576. All of these patents disclose an electric type drill operable to attaching a drill bit. U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,576 discloses a device operable to accept a wide range of tool shank diameters and is particularly designed to accept larger diameter tool shank devices.
Hand drills are not always the best answer for drilling holes either. They require enough space to get the drill into the area where you need to drill and enough space to actually turn the drill shaft causing the hole to be drilled. Additionally, hand drills have a solid, non-flexible shaft which is rotated in a circular motion causing the drill bit to circulate in the same circular motion. Due to the non-flexible shaft there are number of small places where you cannot use a hand drill.
For example, depending on the width of studs in buildings, you may not be able to get a hand drill at the proper angle to drill a hole in the side of a stud.
Electric screw drivers come in all types and sizes. Now that they make drill bits that are attachable to electric screw drivers this alleviates some of the problems but not all of them. While some electric screw drivers are smaller and less bulky than others, they too have a solid shaft area that is not flexible.
There are certain types of socket wrenches that would allow you to attach a drill bit. Once the drill bit is attached to the socket, you could attach a certain amount of extensions some of which create angles. Of course the problem with this type of situation is that the more extensions you attach, the more leverage you loose. In addition, extensions for socket wrenches come in different specified lengths, therefore, you have to hope you have or they make the proper lengths for each required job.
In one embodiment of the present invention the tool extension comprises a flexible inner shaft.
In another embodiment the flexible inner shaft comprises a first end and a second end.
In yet another embodiment the first end of the flexible inner shaft is operable to attach to a power source.
In another embodiment the flexible inner shaft is operable to rotate.
In still another embodiment the flexible inner shaft is encompassed within a rubber coated casing.
In yet another embodiment the flexible inner shaft comprises a front collar.
In still another embodiment the front collar is capable of having a plastic grip attached.
In another embodiment the front collar operable to provide stability.
In another embodiment the second end of the flexible inner shaft is attached to a quick release chuck.
In yet another embodiment the quick release chuck is operable to attach to a keyless chuck.
In still another embodiment the quick release chuck is operable to attach to a drilling/screwing agent.
In another embodiment the cross bracket is capable of being inserted between the quick release chuck and the keyless chuck.
In yet another embodiment the cross bracket is operable to provide stability.
In still another embodiment the keyless chuck is operable to attach to a drilling/screwing agent.
In yet another embodiment the quick release chuck and the keyless chuck are operable to rotate in conjunction with the flexible inner shaft.
In still another embodiment the flexible inner shaft measures between 12 and 18 inches in length.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
The tool extension 10 is also designed with a rubber casing 30 encompassing the flexible inner shaft 20 as a safety feature when working around electrical components. Additionally, the front collar 50 is capable of having a plastic grip 80 attached to it. The plastic grip 80 would provide a non-slip surface in the event the user hands were wet or sweaty. Since the front collar 50 is designed to provide stability during the drilling process, it is even likely that a user might want the plastic grip 80 attached based on the drilling surface. A cross bracket 90 is operable to be placed between the quick release chuck 60 and the keyless chuck 70. It is also intended to be used to provide stability during the drilling process. Once the drilling process is completed the flexible inner shaft 20 can be removed from the drill. Also, the keyless chuck 70 can be removed from the flexible inner shaft 20. The keyless chuck 70 can then be used with other tools as needed.
By using the tool extension 10 in conjunction with a power source, the user is afforded the ability to reach drill holes or insert and remove screws in areas that might otherwise be impossible. Because the flexible inner shaft 20 is capable of being configured to reach into these areas it provides more flexibility to the user. It can not only be used for drilling, it can be used to extract screws or bolts from places where other tools might be unable to reach. Not only would the tool extension 10 be a good addition to a carpenter's tool box but it is capable of being used by mechanics as well. The flexibility of the flexible inner shaft 20 makes it possible to be able to reach around other objects for purposes of removing screws or the like.
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
