CA2534756A1 - Manually operable multi-bit driver operable by means of a ratchet drive or a conventional power drill - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-bit driver comprises a housing, and a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained by the housing and movable between a retracted configuration and an in-use configuration. A
ratcheting member has a manually operable input and an output that is connectable in driving relation to the housing. The input and the output are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other. A selectively operable ratcheting mechanism is operatively engaged between the input and the output to permit the input and the output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in at least a first rotational direction.

Description

CANADA
TITLE: MANUALLY OPERABLE MULTI-BIT DRIVER OPERABLE BY
MEANS OF A RATCHET DRIVE OR A CONVENTIONAL POWER
DRILL
INVENTORS: Y. C. GUANG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to manually operable mufti-bit drivers and more particularly relates to manually operable mufti-bit drivers that are also also operable by means of a conventional power drill.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many different types of mufti-bit screwdrivers are now available on the market. Early models of such mufti-bit screwdrivers have a plurality of loose bits retained within a housing. A selected bit removed from the housing and placed into a bit chuck. Subsequently, the bit is removed from the bit chuck and replaced in the housing.

[0003] More recent types of mufti-bit screwdrivers have bit assemblies that are mounted in sliding relation in a housing such that an external button is slid forwardly along the slot to present a single bit for use, extending outwardly from a bit chuck.

[0004] The limitation of known multi-bit drivers is that they may be manually driven only, and cannot be driven by a conventional electric drill. Further, in order to rotate a tool bit or drill bit in a desired direction, known multi-bit drivers must be rotated in that desired direction, and then the user's hand must regrip the handle, in order to again rotate the multi-bit drivers in that desired direction. In other words, known multi-bit drivers are not ratcheted.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mufti-bit driver that is also operable by means of a conventional power drill.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mufti-bit driver having a ratchet function wherein at least a portion of the handle of the mufti-bit driver is rotatable both clockwise and counter-clockwise, alternatingly, to selectively provide either a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the bit that is in use.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mufti-bit driver having a ratchet function wherein at least a portion of the handle of the mufti-bit driver is rotatable both clockwise and counter-clockwise, alternatingly, to selectively provide either a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the bit that is in use, and further comprising a crank arm for turning the mufti-bit at an increased rotational speed and with an increased mechanical advantage.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mufti-bit driver having screwdriver bits and drill bits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel mufti-bit driver comprising a housing, and a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained by the housing and movable between a retracted configuration and an m-use configuration. A ratcheting member has a manually operable input and an output that is connectable in driving relation to the housing. The input and the output are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other. A selectively operable ratcheting mechanism is operatively engaged between the input and the output to permit the input and the output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in at least a first rotational direction.

[00010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel ratcheting member for use in a multi-bit driver. The ratcheting member comprises a manually operable input and an output that is connectable in driving relation to the housing of a mufti-bit driver. The input and the output are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other. A selectively operable ratcheting mechanism is operatively engaged between the input and the output to permit the input and the output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in at least a first rotational direction.

[00011] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00012] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the manually operable mufti-bit driver 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:

[00013] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver according to the present invention;

[00014] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver of Figure l;

[00015] Figure 3 is a sectional side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver of Figure l, taken along section line 3-3;

[00016] Figure 4 is a sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 3, but with the ratcheting end cap separated from the main body of the mufti-bit driver;

[00017] Figure 5 is a back end elevational view of the main body of the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver of Figure 4;

[00018] Figure 6 is a front end elevational view of the ratcheting end cap of Figure 4;

[00019] Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the ratcheting mechanism removed from the ratcheting end cap of Figure 6;

[00020] Figure 8 is a sectional side elevational view of the ratcheting mechanism of Figure 7, taken along section line 8-8 in Figure 7;

[00021] Figure 9A is a sectional front elevational view of the ratcheting end cap of Figure 8, taken along section line 9-9 in Figure 8, and with the ratcheting mechanism in a first engaging position;

[00022] Figure 9B is similar to Figure 9A, but with the ratcheting mechanism in a second engaging position;
-[00023] Figure 10 is a sectional side elevational view of the second preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver according to the present invention;

[00024] Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the second preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver of Figure 10;

[00025] Figure 12 is a sectional side elevational view of the third preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver according to the present invention;

[00026] Figure 13 is a sectional side elevational view of the fourth preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver according to the present invention, with the handle in a stored position; and, [00027] Figure 14 is a sectional side elevational view of the fourth preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver according to the present invention, with the handle in a stored position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
_ g -[00028] Referring to Figures 1 through 14 of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1 through 9B illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention, Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention, and Figure 12 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the multi-bit driver of the present invention, and Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention [00029] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 9B, which show a preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit screwdriver of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The mufti-bit driver 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 - g -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.

[00030] The housing 30 terminates at its back end in an end portion 28.

[00031] As can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4, 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. Each of the bit assemblies is movable between a retracted configuration, and a forwardly extended in-use configuration. In Figures 3 and 4, one bit assembly is shown in the forwardly extended in-use configuration, and the remaining bit assemblies are shown in a retracted configuration.

[00032] The bit assemblies 70 each have an actuator attached thereto. 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.

[00033] Each bit extension 80 has a contact surface 82 at a back end 86, and is made from a suitable rigid material such as aluminum, cold rolled steel, plastic, and so on.

[00034] Each tool bit 72 has a first stop surface 74 and each bit extension 80 has a second stop surface 82, 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".

[00035] 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.

[00036] The housing 30 also comprises a rearward facing abutment surface 90 disposed within said housing 30, preferably on the cone portion 60 adj acent 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.

[00037] 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.

[00038] 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. 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 abutment surface on the central column 32.

[00039] 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 small pin portion 122 projecting laterally outwardly from the attachment portion 110. The small pin portion 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.

[00040] 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.

[00041] 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.

[00042] Each actuator member 102 further comprises a flexible biassing arm 116 projecting outwardly from the mounting portion 120 for biassed 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.

[00043] 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. 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. 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 abutment surface on the central column 32. The bit assembly 70 is then in its forwardly extended in-use configuration.

[00044] 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.

[00045] 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.

[00046] 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.

[00047] 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.

[00048] 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 abutment surface 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.

[00049] The housing 30 further comprises a tool bit directing portion 29. 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.

[00050] The bit chuck 62 aligns the tool bit 72 along the longitudinal axis ~~L". The contact surface 82 of the bit assembly 70 is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against the abutment surface, slightly past (or over) the longitudinal axis ~~L" with respect to the actuator means.
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.

[00051] A central post 140 having a hexagonal cross-section is securely anchored in force transmitting relation in the central column 32 so as to extend rearwardly therefrom. Preferably, the central post 140 is molded in place in the central column 32.
Alternatively, the central post 140 may be removably mounted in the central column 32 such as by means of a spring biassed ball bearing mounted in the central post 140 engaging a co-operating recess in the central post 140. An open space 142 as defined by the end portion 28 of the housing 30 surrounds the central post 140.

[00052] A ratcheting member that in the first preferred embodiment is a ratcheting end cap 150, and has a manually operable input in the form of a handle portion 152 and an insert portion 154. The handle portion 152 is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a person's hand. The insert portion 154 is shaped and dimensioned to fit loosely into the open space 142 at the back end portion 28 of the housing 30, so as to be rotatable therein, and is preferably circular in cross-section.

[00053] The ratcheting end cap 150 also has an output that is connectable in driving relation to the housing 30. More specifically, the output comprises a central gear member 162 that is part of a selectively operable ratcheting mechanism 160 that is operatively engaged between the input and the output.

[00054] The ratcheting mechanism 160 is secured within the ratcheting end cap 150. As can be best seen in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the ratcheting mechanism 160 comprises a central gear member 162 having a pair of stems 164, a plurality of teeth 166, and a centrally disposed hexagonally shaped throughpassage 168 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the central post 140 in snug fitting relation therein, and is thereby connectable in driving relation to the housing 30. Accordingly, the ratcheting end cap 150 is removably mountable onto the end portion 28 of the housing 30, with the central gear member 162 engaging the central post 140 in force transmitting relation. Further, the central post 140 may be driven by a conventional electric drill (not shown) .
The chuck of the conventional electric drill partially fits into the open space 142 at the back end portion 28 of the housing 30.

[00055] The central gear member 162 is freely rotatably mounted within a round disc-shaped housing 170, with the stems 164 each engaging in freely rotatable relation a co-operating circular aperture 172 in the round disc-shaped housing 170.

[00056] It can therefore be seen that the input, namely the handle portion 152 and the insert portion 154, and the output, namely the central gear member 162 are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other.

[00057] A ratchet arm 174 is pivotally mounted within the housing 170 by means of a pin member 176 having a handle portion 178. The pin member 176 is securely retained by the ratchet arm 174 for pivoting movement therewith. The handle member is used to move the ratchet arm 174 between a first engaging position, as is shown in Figure 9A, a second engaging position, as is shown in Figure 9B. In the first engaging position, the end 175a engages the teeth 163 of the central gear member 162, to thereby permit the input, namely the handle portion 152 and the insert portion 154, and the output, namely the central gear member 162, of the ratcheting member ??? to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in a first rotational direction. In the second engaging position, the end 175b engages the teeth 163 of the central gear member 162, to thereby permit the input, namely the handle portion 152 and the insert portion 154, and the output, namely the central gear member 162, of the ratcheting member ??? to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in a second rotational direction.

[00058] As can best be seen in Figure 9B, when the end 175a engages the teeth 163 of the central gear member 162, the central gear member 162 is permitted to turn counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow ~~A", with respect to the round disc-shaped housing 170, but is precluded from turning clockwise. In this manner, the multi-bit driver 20 could be used to tighten a conventional right-hand-thread threaded fastener. When the end 175b engages the teeth 163 of the central gear member 162, the central gear member 162 is permitted to turn clockwise, as indicated by arrow ~~B", with respect to the round disc-shaped housing 170, but is precluded from turning counterclockwise. In this manner, the mufti-bit driver 20 could be used to loosen a conventional right-hand-thread threaded fastener.

[00059] Reference will now be made to Figures 10 and 11, which show a second preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220.
The second preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 220 is similar to the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 20 except that the ratcheting end cap 250 has an extension portion 252 that acts as a handle grip when using the mufti-bit driver 220. Slots 254 in the extension portion 252 permit access to the button portion 256 of the actuator member 258.

[00060] Reference will now be made to Figure 12, which shows a third preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 320. The third preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 320 is similar to the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 20 except that the ratcheting mechanism 360 is mounted on the hexagonal post 340, and the end cap 350 has first and second metal pins 351,352 that engage co-operating bore holes 361,362 in the ratcheting mechanism 360 in force transmitting relation.

[00061] Reference will now be made to Figures 13 and 14, which show a fourth preferred embodiment of the mufti-bit driver of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 420.
The fourth preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 420 is similar to the first preferred embodiment mufti-bit driver 20 except that the hexagonal post 440 projects beyond the end of the back end portion 428 of the housing 430, and the ratcheting end cap 450 has been modified to have a crank arm 452 pivotally attached thereto. The crank arm 452 is pivotally movable from a storage position, as is shown in Figure 13, to an in-use position, as is shown in Figure 14. A ball bearing 453 in a bore hole in the ratcheting end cap 450 is biassed by a spring 454 into a co-operating recess 441 in the hexagonal post 440, so as to help retain the ratcheting end cap 450 in place on the hexagonal post 440.

[00062] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a mufti-bit driver that is also operable by means of a conventional power drill, that has a ratchet function wherein at least a portion of the handle of the mufti-bit driver is rotatable both clockwise and counter-clockwise, alternatingly, to selectively provide either a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the bit that is in use, and further comprising a crank arm for turning the mufti-bit at an increased rotational speed and with an increased mechanical advantage, and that has screwdriver bits and drill bits, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

[00063] 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.

Claims (9)

1. ~A multi-bit driver comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained by said housing and movable between a retracted configuration and an in-use configuration;
a ratcheting member having a manually operable input and an output that is connectable in driving relation to said housing, wherein said input and said output are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other, and a selectively operable ratcheting mechanism operatively engaged between said input and said output to permit said input and said output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in at least a first rotational direction.

2. ~The multi-bit driver of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bit assemblies is operatively retained within said housing.

3. The multi-bit driver of claim 2, further comprising 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.

4. The multi-bit driver of claim 3, further comprising an 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 said retracted configuration, said in-use configuration, and back to said retracted configuration.

5. The multi-bit driver of claim 4, wherein said in-use configuration is a forwardly extended in-use configuration.

6. The multi-bit driver of claim 5, wherein in said forwardly extended in-use configuration, said bit assembly is positioned such that said tool bit extends outwardly from said housing through said opening of said bit chuck.

7. ~The multi-bit driver of claim 1, wherein said selectively operable ratcheting mechanism is operatively engaged between said input and said output to permit said input and said output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction.

8. ~A ratcheting member for use in a multi-bit driver, said ratcheting member comprising:
a manually operable input;
an output that is connectable in driving relation to the housing of a multi-bit driver;
wherein said input and said output are coupled in rotatable relation with respect to each other, and a selectively operable ratcheting mechanism operatively engaged between said input and said output to permit said input and said output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in at least a first rotational direction.

9. The multi-bit driver of claim 8, wherein said selectively operable ratcheting mechanism is operatively engaged between said input and said output to permit said input and said output to be rotationally fixed in torque transmitting relation in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction.