BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing pivotal illumination of a tool in use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
FIG. 2 is a top-down perspective view in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing pivotal illumination of an alternative tool in use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
FIG. 5 is a top-down perspective view in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a side, planar view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the subject invention having a multiplicity of tools in extended fashion;
FIG. 8 is a top down view in accordance with the alternative preferred embodiment of the subject invention having a multiplicity of tools in extended fashion;
FIG. 9 is a top down view in accordance with the alternative preferred embodiment of the subject invention having a multiplicity of tools with one in extended fashion and one in closed fashion;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view in accordance with the alternative preferred embodiment of the subject invention having a duality of tools in extended fashion showing a gripping means and seating and stop means for the tools when extended;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view in accordance with the alternative preferred embodiment of the subject invention having a duality of tools in extended fashion without gripping means;
FIG. 12 is a cross-section of the handle of the alternative preferred embodiment in accordance with the subject invention as shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment in accordance with the subject invention as shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention wherein the tool is in a semi-extended view;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention wherein the tool is in a semi-extended view; and
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the subject invention in the hands of a user engaged for us, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to device 1 which permits the use of two tools simultaneously, in this case flashlight 6 and Phillips head 10. As shown, flashlight 6, in the stored functional position, can illuminate the tool means, in this instance a Phillips head 10, and the screw (not shown but understood to exist) to which it will engage, in a manner in which the illumination is virtually in parallel with the tool and thus actually creates light for the work space and the work involved. Such a combination is heretofore unknown.
Moreover, and in particular, hand 12 of a user engages by way of fingers 16, handle 2 of device 1 and via thumb 14, rests upon a textured thumb grip 3 of specific configuration to create a power gripping effect as discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. As a result of the dimensions, flashlight 6, folded in the stored position, as shown, is such that the entire device 1, save the tool means (comprising shaft 4, housing 8 and Phillips head 10) fits firmly in hand 12. Thus, it should be observed by one of ordinary skill in the art that the tool and workspace are illuminated in a unique manner by device 1 which fits neatly into hand 12 of the user providing illumination with a sturdy and efficient gripping and driving device, together 1.
It should be further appreciated that flashlight 6 is not required for the user to have that sturdy and efficient gripping. Rather, flashlight 6 can, as shown by reviewing the remaining figures, be folded into the bottom of handle 2 tucking it away, protecting the same, and preventing its intrusion into the use of Phillips head 10. In this manner, device 1 maintains its gripping and driving ability because of its size in respect of hand 12, even without the use of flashlight 6.
Thus, it becomes evident that flashlight 6 moves rotationally approximately 190° from functional distended position (like that of FIG. 1-3) to tuck away under handle 2, as necessary for use by the user. This configuration of a flashlight and tool implement allows usage at night and in dark places, while also providing use where additional illumination is not required.
It should be understood that the flashlight portion of the subject embodiment is critical, yet the tool, in FIG. 1 Phillips head 10, can be of many different tool means. For example by removing Phillips head 10 and housing 8, shaft 4 as shown becomes a hexagonal socket device. This is accomplished by rendering housing 8 in a hexagonal fashion. It should be further understood, that a multiplicity of different sized shafts 4 can be employed depending upon the hexagonal wrenching required, and concentrically fitted housings 8 are then employed one for each.
As shown in FIG. 2, hinge pin 18B creates the pivot point for shaft 4. Thus, it can be observed that by rendering hinge pin 18B in a removable manner, a multiplicity of shafts 4 of different dimensions can be employed for the reasons set forth immediately above. Key, however, is that the length of shaft 4 be such that it fit smoothly into handle 2, tucking away such that the head is in the curvalinear section, shown as 22a in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, flashlight 6 pivots along hinge pin 18A and elements 29 navigate that pin such that when in the fully extended view of FIG. 2 flashlight 6 generally aligns with shaft 4 for proper illumination as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 shows a side view which is critical in that the conformation of handle 2 is displayed. Of critical significance to this embodiment are the dual arcuate cutouts 22A and 22B for accommodating both the tools when stored, and the flashlight 6 (for 22A) when in the stored functional position. As shown below, this design also accommodates the placing of a thumb in the arcuate cutout which enables the device to be a physiological extension of the forearm of the user for greater torque and related action, as explained further hereinbelow.
As can be appreciated, a multiplicity of tools can be utilized in place of Phillips head 10 in connection with flashlight 6 as shown in FIGS. 4-6 which has blade 20 therein but otherwise conforms with the same elements as those hereinabove set forth, functioning in the same manner.
So, too, it can be appreciated that the device can also accommodate a plurality of tools wherein neither of the tools are a flashlight. In particular, FIGS. 7-9 show an alternative preferred embodiment wherein Phillips head 10 and flat head 24 are both in use and, in FIG. 9 at least one in folded position contained in handle 2. Consistent to handle 2 is the non-coplanar positioning of hinge pins 18A and 18B. As shown in FIG. 7, hinge pin 18A is indicated in plane A and hinge pin 18B in plane B, such that a distance C separates the planes. This conformation is critical to the subject invention as it permits the tools to fold into handle 2 such that one stores above and one stores below relative to handle 2. When folded inwardly, the tool is stored compactly without interfering with the use of the other tool, and when folded outwardly is available for usage.
FIG. 10 indicates the alternative preferred embodiment wherein Phillips head 10 is utilized on one side, and a square recess bit 30 on the other. Arrows shown in FIG. 10 indicate the variability of movement.
Likewise, FIG. 11 shows virtually the same conformation as in FIG. 10 from a different perspective, without cladding 32 and without housing 8. Most visible is the arcuate cutout 22B (which is identical to 22A, but not visible in this figure) with trough 26. The configuration of cutout 22 and trough 26 are critical in that it provides multiple functions, including: (a) a means for placing the tool so that the handle is strengthened and the tool out of the way when not in use; (b) a means for placing flashlight 6 (as shown above) for illuminating the work space while also providing a means for storage; and (c) a thumb grip (see, e.g., FIG. 16) which enables the user to employ the device in a manner such that it virtually becomes an extension of the user's hand and forearm, providing greater strength and torque action. These are distinctive features of the instant invention.
Also visible in FIG. 10 are the stop 36 which is essentially a cross-section along line D which shows that shaft 4 cannot be raised greater than full alignment with handle 2 (hence approximately 180° from its storage position) and thus will not “wiggle” about when in use. Likewise, cross section E shows that the tool (via shaft 4) spins in a singular direction to dispose flashlight 6 in either an operational or closed position.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of handle 2 showing the differential between planes B and A as explained hereinabove, as well as hinge pins 18A and 18B. Stops 36 are represented to prevent further movement of tools when in storage position. Obviously, in the instances in which flashlight 6 is engaged, that position will not include a stop 36 so as to allow for the approximately 190° rotation.
FIG. 13 shows a handle 2 and also shows hinge pin 18A which is the “C” housing shown by cross section D in FIG. 10, thereby impeding the motion beyond the closed position wherein the tool is substantially coplanar with the handle. Likewise, the other side of handle 2 permits pivoting as in the instance of use of flashlight 6 as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 13 as square bit 10.
FIGS. 14 and 15 reflect tang 34 which prevents shaft 4 from moving beyond a coplanar arrangement with handle 2; i.e., no more than about 180° from the closed position. As observable the clipping arrangement places tang 34 in an arrangement such that tang 34 hits stop 36 of handle 2 (see FIG. 10 as well for further demonstration thereof).
FIG. 16 shows device 1 with an extension of Phillips head 10 on housing 8 upon shaft 4 turned about pin 18A and fully extended. As a result of the configuration, including the arcuate shape of handle 2, device 1 ergonomically fits well in a user's hand creating an extension thereof and permitting the synergistic interplay between device 1, hand 12, and forearm (not shown but understood) in a manner that increases torque and other related actions rendering the tool the equivalent of one having a handle that travels virtually the full distance between the head 10 and elbow of the user.
While there have shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the invention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Patent Application
20080055889
