EP3383588A1 - Multi-implement tool - Google Patents
Multi-implement toolInfo
- Publication number
- EP3383588A1 EP3383588A1 EP16852922.0A EP16852922A EP3383588A1 EP 3383588 A1 EP3383588 A1 EP 3383588A1 EP 16852922 A EP16852922 A EP 16852922A EP 3383588 A1 EP3383588 A1 EP 3383588A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- implement
- pivot
- chuck
- deflector
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012777 electrically insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B15/00—Screwdrivers
- B25B15/02—Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle
- B25B15/04—Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle with ratchet action
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F1/00—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools
- B25F1/02—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements
- B25F1/04—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements wherein the elements are brought into working positions by a pivoting or sliding movement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/08—Handle constructions with provision for storing tool elements
- B25G1/085—Handle constructions with provision for storing tool elements for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners
Definitions
- the present invention relates to multi-implement tools, and more particularly to ratcheting multi-implement tools.
- Multi-implement tools such as screwdrivers
- Multi-implement tools provide a convenient means for having various types of implements readily available for use.
- United States Patent No. 6,148,696 issued November 21, 2000, discloses a Ratchet Screw Driver that has multiple bits and includes a barrel having a stud engaged into a handle and having a pair of opposite passages for slidably receiving a pair of pawls.
- a gear is rotatably received in the barrel and has an aperture for receiving various kinds of driving stems.
- a spring is engaged on the barrel and has two end beads engaged with the pawls for biasing the pawls to engage with the gear.
- the barrel includes a curved slot for receiving an actuator which is engaged into the curved slot of the barrel and located between the pawls for moving the pawls against the spring.
- Screwdriver that includes an elongated composite shank formed of electrically insulating material and provided with a bit holder at a working end thereof.
- the other end of the shank has an axial recess in which is disposed one end of a hexagonal connecting pin, the other end of which is press-fitted in an axial bore in one end of a metal coupler for joining the coupler to the shank.
- the metal coupler is removably received in a receptacle formed in a ratchet mechanism disposed in one end of an elongated, electrically insulating handle.
- a novel multi- implement tool comprising a housing with a plurality of implements operatively retained within the housing.
- Each implement defines a pivot axis and has a shank and a deflector receiving portion disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis.
- a chuck has an implement-receiving opening for receiving the shank of each implement singularly in torque transmitting relation.
- the chuck is mounted on the housing for rotation of the chuck and the housing with respect to each other about an axis of rotation.
- Each implement is retained within the housing for pivotal movement about the pivot axis between an unaligned pivotal orientation whereat the shank of the implement is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis with respect to the implement-receiving opening of the chuck and an aligned pivotal orientation whereat the shank of the implement is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis with the implement-receiving opening of the chuck, and for longitudinal movement between a retracted position whereat the implement is generally retained within the housing and an in-use position whereat the shank of the implement is received in torque transmitting relation by the chuck and the implement extends through the implement-receiving opening.
- a rotation-locking mechanism is operatively interposed between the housing and the chuck.
- a pivot -inducing deflector is disposed in the laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis of the implement. As the implement is moved from its retracted position to its in-use position, deflection of the deflector receiving portion of the implement by the pivot-inducing deflector causes the implement to pivot about the pivot axis from the unaligned pivotal orientation to the aligned pivotal orientation, to thereby permit the chuck to engage the implement in torque transmitting relation.
- a novel multi- implement tool comprising a housing and a plurality of implement assemblies each including an implement retained by an implement holder and operatively retained within the housing.
- Each implement assembly defines a pivot axis and has a deflector receiving portion disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis.
- a chuck has an implement-receiving opening for receiving the shank of each implement singularly in torque transmitting relation and is mounted on the housing for rotation of the chuck and the housing with respect to each other about an axis of rotation.
- Each implement assembly is retained within the housing for pivotal movement about the pivot axis between an unaligned pivotal orientation whereat the implement holder is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis with respect to the implement-receiving opening of the chuck and an aligned pivotal orientation whereat the implement holder is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis with the implement-receiving opening of the chuck, and for longitudinal movement between a retracted position whereat the implement is generally retained within the housing and an in-use position whereat the implement holder is received in torque transmitting relation by the chuck and the implement extends through the implement-receiving opening.
- a rotation-locking mechanism is operatively interposed between the housing and the chuck.
- a pivot-inducing deflector is disposed in the laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis of the implement holder.
- a novel multi- implement tool comprising a housing and a plurality of implement holders operatively retained within the housing.
- Each implement holder defines a pivot axis and has a deflector receiving portion disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis.
- a chuck has an implement-receiving opening for receiving each implement holder singularly in torque transmitting relation and is mounted on the housing for rotation of the chuck and the housing with respect to each other about an axis of rotation.
- Each implement holder is retained within the housing for pivotal movement about the pivot axis between an unaligned pivotal orientation whereat the implement holder is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis with respect to the implement-receiving opening of the chuck and an aligned pivotal orientation whereat the implement holder is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis with the implement-receiving opening of the chuck, and for longitudinal movement between a retracted position whereat the implement holder is generally retained within the housing and an in-use position whereat the implement holder is received in torque transmitting relation by the chuck.
- a rotation-locking mechanism is operatively interposed between the housing and the chuck.
- a pivot-inducing deflector is disposed in the laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis of the implement holder.
- a novel chuck for use in a multi-implement tool, for receiving at least one of an implement and an implement holder singularly in torque transmitting relation therein.
- the chuck comprises a main body having a free end and a connection end.
- a pivot-inducing deflector is disposed in the laterally spaced relation from the implement passageway.
- deflection of the deflector receiving portion of the implement by the pivot-inducing deflector causes the implement to pivot about its pivot axis from an unaligned pivotal orientation to the aligned pivotal orientation with respect to the implement-receiving opening, to thereby permit the chuck to engage the implement in torque transmitting relation.
- a plurality of implements are operatively retained within a housing.
- Each implement defines a pivot axis and has a deflector receiving portion disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis.
- a pivot- inducing deflector is disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis of the implement, As the implement is moved from its retracted position to its in-use position, deflection of the deflector receiving portion of the implement by the pivot-inducing deflector causes the implement to pivot about the pivot axis from the unaligned pivotal orientation to the aligned pivotal orientation, to thereby permit a chuck of the tool to engage the implement in torque transmitting relation.
- a plurality of implement assemblies are operatively retained within a housing.
- Each implement assembly defines a pivot axis and has a deflector receiving portion disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis.
- a pivot-inducing deflector is disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis of the implement assembly.
- deflection of the deflector receiving portion of the implement assembly by the pivot-inducing deflector causes the implement assembly to pivot about the pivot axis from the unaligned pivotal orientation to the aligned pivotal orientation, to thereby permit a chuck of the tool to engage the implement assembly in torque transmitting relation.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi- implement tool according to the present invention, with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view similar to Figure 1;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, but with a selected implement in its extended in-use position;
- Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 1, with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 4 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 3, but with a selected implement in its extended in-use position;
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi- implement tool of Figure 1, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, and with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional perspective view from beside and behind of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 1, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, and with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 1, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, and with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 7B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 7 A, taken along section line B-B of Figure 7A, with all of the implements in their respective retracted positions, and showing the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening with no implements in it;
- Figure 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 7A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, but with a selected implement having been moved forwardly towards its extended in- use position and with the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement in operative engagement with the pivot-inducing deflector;
- Figure 8B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 8A, taken along section line B-B of Figure 8A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening;
- Figure 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 8A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, but with a selected implement having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement having moved further along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise slightly about its pivot axis;
- Figure 9B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 9A, taken along section line B-B of Figure 9A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement in the hexagonally shaped implement -receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise slightly about its pivot axis;
- Figure 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 9A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, but with a selected implement having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement having moved even further along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise even more about its pivot axis;
- Figure 10B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 10A, taken along section line B-B of Figure 10A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement in the hexagonally shaped implement- receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise even more about its pivot axis;
- Figure 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 10A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, but with a selected implement having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement having moved all of the way along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise fully about its pivot axis to its aligned pivotal orientation;
- Figure 11B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 11A, taken along section line B-B of Figure 11A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise fully about its pivot axis to its aligned pivotal orientation;
- Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 11A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 1, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved even more forwardly all of the way to its extended in-use position;
- Figure 13 is a perspective view from the front of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi- implement tool according to the present invention, with a selected implement in its extended in-use position;
- Figure 13A is an exploded perspective view similar to Figure 13;
- Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional perspective view from beside and behind of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 13, taken along section line C-C of Figure 13, and with all of the implement assemblies in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 15A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 13, taken along section line C-C of Figure 13, and with all of the implement assemblies in their respective retracted positions;
- Figure 15B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 15A, taken along section line D-D of Figure 15A, with all of the implement assemblies in their respective retracted positions, and showing the hexagonally shaped implement- receiving opening with no implements in it;
- Figure 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 15A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 13, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved somewhat forwardly towards its extended in-use position and with the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement assembly in operative engagement with the pivot-inducing deflector;
- Figure 16B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 16A, taken along section line D-D of Figure 16A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement assembly in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening;
- Figure 17A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 16A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 13, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement assembly having moved further along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counterclockwise slightly about its pivot axis;
- Figure 17B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 17A, taken along section line D-D of Figure 17A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement assembly in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise slightly about its pivot axis;
- Figure 18A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 17A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 13, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement assembly having moved even further along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counterclockwise even more about its pivot axis;
- Figure 18B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 18A, taken along section line D-D of Figure 18A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement assembly in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise even more about its pivot axis;
- Figure 19A is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 18A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 13, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved even more forwardly towards its extended in-use position and the deflector receiving portion of the selected implement assembly having moved all of the way along the pivot-inducing deflector, and with the implement having rotated counterclockwise fully about its pivot axis to its aligned pivotal orientation;
- Figure 19B is a cross-sectional rear elevational view of the front portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool of Figure 19A, taken along section line D-D of Figure 19A, and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement of the selected implement assembly in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening, and with the implement having rotated counter-clockwise fully about its pivot axis to its aligned pivotal orientation; and, [00047]
- Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view similar to Figure 19A, taken along section line A-A of Figure 13, but with a selected implement assembly having been moved even more forwardly all of the way to its extended in-use position.
- Figures 1 through 20 of the drawings show a first illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool according to the present invention
- Figures 13 through 20 illustrate a second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool according to the present invention.
- the first illustrated embodiment multi-implement tool 100 comprises a housing 110 that, in the first illustrated embodiment, is the handle of the multi-implement tool 100.
- the multi-implement tool 100 is a screwdriver; however, the multi-implement tool 100 could be any type of tool or the like having a plurality of implements 131 that are engaged by a chuck 120 such that the selected implement is received in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 120, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.
- the first illustrated embodiment multi-implement tool 100 comprises the housing 110, the chuck 120, the plurality of implements 131, means 140 for moving the implements 131, means 150 for selectively retaining an implement 131 in its forwardly extended in-use position, a rotation-locking mechanism 160, and a pivot-inducing deflector 170.
- the multi-implement tool 100 comprises the housing 110 that acts as the handle of the multi-implement tool 100, and is made from a suitable plastic material or other synthetic material, or from a suitable metal material, or from any other suitable materials or a combination or combinations thereof.
- the housing 110 as illustrated, extends between a front end 112 and a back end 114, and defines a longitudinal axis "L" that is generally centrally disposed with respect to the housing 110 and extends along the length of the housing 110.
- the housing 110 is preferably elongate in order to accommodate implements such as tool up to about six inches (fifteen centimeters) in length, or possibly more, and is of a suitable diameter to be comfortably held by a user's hand. Other suitable sizes and shapes for the housing could alternatively be used.
- a front fitting 116 has a main body 117 with a rearwardly facing implement guide surface 118 and a forwardly extending cylindrical wall 119 and is secured to the housing 110 by use of suitable threaded fasteners (not specifically shown) or any other suitable means.
- the front fitting 116 barricades the front end of the housing 110 except for an implement receiving opening 125 through which the implements 131 can extend, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.
- a rear cap 111 is secured to the back end 114 of the housing 110 by suitable threaded fasteners (not specifically shown) or any other suitable means, to close off the back end 114 of the housing 110.
- the plurality of implements 131 are operatively retained within the housing 110 generally in longitudinal alignment with the elongate housing 110.
- Each of the plurality of implements 131 is securely mounted within an implement holder 135 that has a circular disk 136 at the back end thereof that is pivotally mounted within a base 137.
- the base 137 has a rear extension 138 and a transverse pivot pin 139 that is used for pivotal attachment to the means 140 for moving the implements 131 as discussed in greater detail subsequently.
- Each implement 131 defines a pivot axis "P" about which the respective implement 131 can pivot. More specifically, the implement 131 is securely connected to the implement holder 135 for rotation therewith.
- the implement holder 135 and the circular disk 136 may be integrally formed with each other.
- the implement 131, the implement holder 135, and the circular disk 136, which make up the implement assembly 130, all rotate concurrently one with the others.
- the plurality of implements 131 are retained within the housing 110 such that the pivot axes "P" are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis "L”; however, this particular alignment is generally a function of the shape of the housing 110.
- the housing 110 has been made to have a small diameter so that the hand of most users can grasp the housing 110 comfortably.
- each implement 131 has a shank 132 that is generally straight and is integrally formed with the blade 133.
- the shank 132 is hexagonally shaped in cross section, as are most screwdriver bits.
- a deflector receiving portion 134 is disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis "P", or in other words at a lateral distance from the pivot axis "P", which is located at the centre of the of the implement 131.
- the chuck 120 is for receiving the implements 131 one at a time, or in other words singularly, in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 120.
- the chuck 120 has a forward cone portion 121, a rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 122 and a rearwardly extending cylindrical wall portion 123.
- the rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 122 and the rearwardly extending cylindrical wall portion 123 together define an annular channel 124 that receives the forwardly extending cylindrical wall 119 of the front fitting 116.
- a clip 129 retains the chuck 120 securely in rotatable relation on the front fitting 116 in order to accommodate the ratchet function of the multi-implement tool 100.
- a ratchet selector collar 109 is mounted in trapped yet rotatable relation via a flange 109a between the rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 122 of the chuck 120 and the front edge llOf of the housing 110.
- the chuck 120 defines an implement-receiving opening 125 for receiving the shank 132 of each implement 131 singularly in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 120. More specifically, the front end portion of the implement-receiving opening 125 is defined partially by a torque transmitting section 126 that in the first illustrated embodiment comprises six triangularly shaped surfaces 126 that together define a regular hexagonal shape just slightly greater in size than the regular hexagonal shape of shank 132 of the implement 131. The six triangularly shaped surfaces 126 on the chuck 120 transmits torque to the hexagonally shaped shank 132 of the forwardly extended implement 131.
- the selected implement 131 When the selected implement 131 extends through the implement-receiving opening 125, the selected implement 131 is in its extended in-use position. As illustrated, the six triangularly shaped surfaces 126 adjacent the front end of the implement-receiving opening 125 form a hexagonal shape in order to receive the shank 132 of the extended implement 131 in torque transmitting relation. Other suitable cross-sectional shapes could also be used for the implement-receiving opening 125 and the shank 132 of the implements 131.
- the chuck 120 is mounted on the housing 110 for rotation of the chuck 120 and the housing 110 with respect to each other, about an axis of rotation " ". This rotation is used in order to accommodate the ratchet function of the multi-implement tool 100.
- the ratchet function is achieved by the rotation-locking mechanism 160 that is operatively interposed between the housing 110 and the chuck 120.
- the rotation-locking mechanism 160 comprises a bi-directional rotation-locking mechanism 160, and even more specifically comprises a bi-directional ratchet mechanism 160 for in a first configuration, selectively permitting axial rotation of the chuck 120 with respect to the housing 110 about the axis of rotation "R" in a first rotational direction and precluding axial rotation of the chuck 120 with respect to the housing 110 in a second rotational direction, and in a second configuration, selectively permitting axial rotation of the chuck 120 with respect to the housing 110 in a second rotational direction and precluding axial rotation of the chuck 120 with respect to the housing 110 in a first rotational direction.
- Any suitable rotation locking mechanism can be used.
- the implements 131 are generally retained within the housing 110 so as to be in non-interfering relation with one another, or in other words to leave sufficient space at the front area of the housing 110 immediately rearwardly of the chuck 120.
- the plurality of implements 131 are operatively retained within the housing 110 generally in longitudinal alignment with the elongate housing 110, so as to be readily movable to their respective in-use positions.
- the shank 132 of the one selected implement 131 is received in torque transmitting relation by the torque transmitting section 126, specifically the six triangularly shaped surfaces 126, on the chuck 120 and extends through the implement-receiving opening 125 so as to be able to engage a fastener or the like.
- the torque transmitting section 126 specifically the six triangularly shaped surfaces 126
- the housing 110 when a user manually turns the housing about the longitudinal axis "L", the torque generated by such turning about the longitudinal axis "L" is transmitted through the housing 110, through the chuck 120, and to the shank 132 of the extended implement 131.
- the rotational direction of force transmission can be either clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on the selected direction of the bidirectional rotation locking mechanism 160.
- the means 140 for moving the implements 131, as selected, singularly between the retracted position and the in-use position comprises an actuator mechanism 140 for each implement 131, and specifically six actuator mechanisms 140 in the first illustrated embodiment.
- Each actuator mechanism 140 comprises a main body 141, a thumb engageable portion 142 disposed exteriorly to the main body 110, a stem portion 143, a forwardly extending hook portion 144 having a rearwardly-facing surface 144a, a rearwardly extending hook portion 146 having a forward ly-facing surface 146a, and a pivot pin 147.
- the actuator mechanism 140 is operatively connected to its respective implement 131 at the implement holder 135 via an inter-connecting member 149 that pivotally connects to the base 137 at the pivot pin 139 and also pivotally connects to the actuator mecha nism 140 at the pivot pin 147.
- the stem portion 143 of the actuator mechanism 140 extends through a slot 113 in the main body 110 and interconnects the main body 141 and the thumb engageable portion 142.
- the forwardly-facing surface 146a of the rearwardly extending hook portion 146 engages a co-operating surface at or adjacent the back positions.
- a forwardly facing abutment surface 115 disposed on the inner wall surface 116 of the housing 110.
- the co-operating rearwardly-facing surface 144a on the forwardly extending hook portion 144 of the actuator mechanism 140 securely engages the forwardly facing abutment surface 115 to thereby retain the selected implement 131 in its forwardly extended in-use position.
- the plurality of implements 131 are operatively retained by the housing 110 each for free rotation about its respective pivot axis "P", as discussed above, and for longitudinal movement between a retracted position, as is best seen in Figures 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7A, and a forwardly extended in-use position, as is best seen in Figures 2, 4 and 12.
- the shank 132 of the implement 131 in the unaligned pivotal orientation of each implement 131, is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the shank 132 of the implement 131 is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the pivoting of the selected implement 131 is described in greater detail subsequently.
- the shank 132 of the implement 131 is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the shank 132 of the implement 131 in the aligned pivotal orientation, is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the implement -receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the pivoting of the selected implement 131 is described in greater detail subsequently.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is operatively mounted on the chuck 120 so as to be disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis "P", as discussed above. More specifically, the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is disposed on the chuck 120, and even more specifically, the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is integrally formed on the chuck 120. As can be readily seen, the pivot-inducing deflector 170 comprises an obliquely angled guide surface 174, and more specifically comprises a plurality of angled guide surfaces 170, and as seen in the illustrated embodiment, six obliquely angled guide surfaces 170.
- the number of guide surfaces 170 corresponds to the number of deflector receiving portions 134, namely six, on the implements 131.
- the lateral distance between the pivot-inducing deflector 170 and the longitudinal axis "L” acts as a moment arm for causing rotation of the implement about the longitudinal axis "L".
- each pivot-inducing deflector 170 is sloped along a portion of the longitudinal axis "L" from a first end 171 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170 at a first radial angular position to a second end 172 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170 at a second radial angular position.
- the second end 172 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is closer to the chuck 120 than is the first end 171 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170.
- the first end 171 comprises a rear apex 171a that is substantially unrounded, or in other words is angled and not rounded.
- pivot -inducing deflector 170 is substantially flat and slopes in one direction only. Accordingly, with the first end of the pivot-inducing deflector 170 shaped as described, the chance of the selected implement 131 abutting against the first end 171 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170 and not readily moving further forwardly, or even not moving further forwardly, is substantially precluded.
- the pivot -inducing deflector 170 is disposed adjacent the implement receiving opening 125 of the chuck so as to be in an advantageous position to pivotally deflect the selected implement 131 just before it enters the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the front of the implement receiving opening 125.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is for engaging the selected implement 131 that is being moved to its forwardly extended in-use position, to thereby pivot the selected implement 131 about its pivot axis "P", to thereby pivotally align the implement 131 about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120 as the selected implement 131 is being moved to its extended in-use position, to thereby permit the chuck 120 to engage the selected implement 131 in torque transmitting relation.
- FIGs 6 through 12 show the pivotal alignment of the selected 131 as it is moved forwardly from its retracted position to its forwardly extended in-use position.
- FIGs 6, 7A and 7B it can be seen that the pivot-inducing deflector 170 is in position to receive the deflector receiving portion 134 of the selected implement 131, as the selected implement 131 is moved forwardly from it retracted position to its forwardly extended in-use position.
- the six obliquely angled guide surfaces 174 are in position to receive the six deflector receiving portions 134 of the selected implement 131.
- the six deflector receiving portions 134 of the shank 132 of the selected implement 131 are adjacent the apexes of the hexagonally shaped shank 132.
- One deflector receiving portion 134 is to be received by each of the obliquely angled guide surfaces 174.
- No portion of the selected implement 131 is yet in the implement-receiving opening 125, which is therefore unoccupied.
- Figure 7A shows the unoccupied implement-receiving opening 125 and the pivot-inducing deflector 170, or more specifically stated, the six obliquely angled guide surfaces 174, from behind, basically from the point of view of the selected implement as it is moved forwardly from its retracted position.
- pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 174 which would cover one-sixth (sixty degrees) of the circumference of the implement-receiving opening 125, since there are six deflector receiving portions 134 spaced equally radially apart around the perimeter of the hexagonal shank 132 of each implement 131.
- each deflector receiving portion 134 spaced equally radially apart around the perimeter of the hexagonal shank 132 of each implement 131 could each cover one-sixth (sixty degrees) of the circumference of the implement 131, and one single pivot-inducing deflector surface 174 could cover a very small radial area if desired.
- FIGS 8A and 8B show a selected implement 131 having been moved forwardly from its retracted position towards its extended in-use position, and directed inwardly towards the longitudinal axis "L" by the rearwardly facing implement guide surface 118.
- the deflector receiving portions 134 of the selected implement 131 are each in operative engagement with the pivot-inducing deflector surface 174 (although only two are viewable) and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement 131 in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 125.
- the implement 131 has not pivoted about its pivot axis "P" and accordingly, the shank 132 of the selected bit 131 remains angularly misaligned with respect to torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- FIGS 9A and 9B show a selected implement 131 having been moved slightly more forwardly towards its extended in-use position.
- the six deflector receiving portions 134 each contact a corresponding one of the pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 174 of the pivot-inducing deflector 170.
- the deflector receiving portions 134 of the selected implement 131 each remain in operative engagement with the pivot- inducing deflector surface 174 (although only two are viewable) each by sliding along the respective pivot -inducing deflector surface 174.
- the hexagonally shaped shank 132 of the selected implement 131 is about to enter the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 125.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 170 causes the selected implement 131 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "PI". Accordingly, the shank 132 of the selected implement 131 remains angularly misaligned with respect to the torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the deflector receiving portions 134 are nearly at the half-way point along each corresponding pivot-inducing deflector surface 174.
- the deflector receiving portions 134 of the selected implement 131 still each remain in operative engagement with the pivot-inducing deflector surface 174 (although only two are viewable) each by sliding along the respective pivot-inducing deflector surface 174.
- the selected hexagonally shaped implement 131 is still about to enter the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 125.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 170 continues to cause the selected implement 131 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "P2".
- the shank 132 of the selected implement 131 still remains angularly misaligned with respect to torque transmitting section 126 of the chuck 120 adjacent the front of the implement -receiving opening 125 of the chuck 120.
- the deflector receiving portions 134 are past the half-way point along each corresponding pivot -inducing deflector surface 174.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 170 continues to cause the selected implement 131 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" a final amount in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "P3".
- the deflector receiving portions 134 have reached the ends of the respective pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 174, and are aligned with the correspondingly shaped apexes of the implement-receiving opening 125.
- the hexagonally shaped shank 132 of the selected implement 131 is now pivotally aligned with the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 125, and the selected implement 131 can now be moved forwardly all of the way to its fully extended in-use position, as shown in Figure 12.
- FIGS 12 through 20 show a second illustrated embodiment of the multi-implement tool according to the present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 200.
- the second illustrated embodiment multi-implement tool 200 according to the present invention comprises a housing 210 that, in the second illustrated embodiment, is the handle of the multi-implement tool 200.
- the multi-implement tool 200 is a screwdriver; however, the multi-implement tool 200 could be any type of tool or the like having a plurality of implement assemblies 230 that are engaged by a chuck 220 such that the selected implement is received in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 220.
- the second illustrated embodiment multi-implement tool 200 comprises the housing
- the multi-implement tool 200 comprises the housing 210 that acts as the handle of the multi-implement tool 200, and is made from a suitable plastic material or other synthetic material, or from a suitable metal material, or from any other suitable materials or a combination or combinations thereof.
- the housing 210 extends between a first end 212 and a second end 214, and defines a longitudinal axis "L" that is generally centrally disposed with respect to the housing 210 and extends along the length of the housing 210.
- the housing 210 is preferably elongate in order to accommodate implements such as tool up to about six inches (fifteen centimeters) in length, or possibly more, and is of a suitable diameter to be comfortably held by a user's hand. Other suitable sizes and shapes for the housing could alternatively be used.
- a front fitting 216 has a main body 217 with a rearwardly facing implement guide surface 218 and a forwardly extending cylindrical wall 219 and is secured to the housing 210 by use of suitable threaded fasteners (not specifically shown) or any other suitable means.
- the front fitting 216 barricades the front end of the housing 210 except for an implement receiving opening 225 through which the implements assemblies 230 can extend, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.
- a rear cap 211 is secured to the back end 214 of the housing 210 by suitable threaded fasteners (not specifically shown) or any other suitable means, to close off the back end 214 of the housing 210.
- the plurality of implement assemblies 230 are operatively retained within the housing 210 generally in longitudinal alignment with the elongate housing 210.
- Each of the plurality of implement assemblies 230 comprises an implement 231 securely mounted within an implement holder 235 that has a circular disk 236 at the back end thereof.
- the circular disk 236 is pivotally mounted within a base 237.
- the base 237 has a rear extension 238 and a transverse pivot pin 239 that is used for pivotal attachment to the means 240 for moving the implement assemblies 230 as discussed in greater detail subsequently.
- Each implement assembly 230 defines a pivot axis "P" about which the respective implement assembly 230 can pivot. More specifically, in each implement assembly 230, the implement 231 is securely connected to the implement holder 235 for rotation therewith.
- the implement holder 235 and the circular disk 236 may be integrally formed with each other.
- the plurality of implement assemblies 230 are retained within the housing 210 such that the pivot axes "P" are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis "L”; however, this particular alignment is generally a function of the shape of the housing 210.
- the housing 210 has been made to have a small diameter so that the hand of most users can grasp the housing 210 comfortably.
- the implement 231 has a shank 232 that is generally straight and is integrally formed with the blade 233.
- the shank 232 is hexagonally shaped in cross section, as are most screwdriver bits.
- a deflector receiving portion 234 is disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis "P", or in other words at a lateral distance from the pivot axis "P", which is located at the centre of the of the implement assembly 230.
- the chuck 220 is for receiving the implements 231 of the implement assemblies 230 one at a time, or in other words singularly, in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 220.
- the chuck 220 has a forward cone portion 221, a rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 222 and a rearwardly extending cylindrical wall portion 223.
- the rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 222 and the rearwardly extending cylindrical wall portion 223 together define an annular channel 224 that receives the forwardly extending cylindrical wall 219 of the front fitting 216.
- a clip 229 retains the chuck 220 securely in rotatable relation on the front fitting 216 in order to accommodate the ratchet function of the multi-implement tool 200.
- a ratchet selector collar 209 is mounted in trapped yet rotatable relation via a flange 209a between the rearwardly extending handle engagement portion 222 of the chuck 220 and the front edge 210f of the housing 210.
- the chuck 220 defines an implement-receiving opening 225 for receiving the shank 232 of each implement assembly 230 singularly in torque transmitting relation by the chuck 220. More specifically, the front end portion of the implement-receiving opening 225 is defined partially by a torque transmitting section 226 that comprises six generally triangularly shaped surfaces 226 that together define a regular hexagonal shape just slightly greater in size than the hexagonally shaped shank 232 of the implement 231. The six triangularly shaped surfaces 126 on the chuck 220 transmit torque to the hexagonally shaped shank 232 of the implement 231 of the forwardly extended implement assembly 230.
- the selected implement assembly 230 When the selected implement assembly 230 extends through the implement-receiving opening 225, the selected implement assembly 230 is in its extended in-use position.
- the six generally triangularly shaped surfaces 226, which form the torque transmitting section 226, adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 form a hexagonal shape in order to receive the shank 232 of the extended implement assembly 230 in torque transmitting relation.
- Other suitable cross-sectional shapes could also be used for the implement-receiving opening 225 and the shank 232 of the implements 231.
- the chuck 220 is mounted on the housing 210 for rotation of the chuck 220 and the housing 210 with respect to each other, about an axis of rotation "R". This rotation is used in order to accommodate the ratchet function of the multi-implement tool 200.
- the ratchet function is achieved by the rotation-locking mechanism 260 that is operatively interposed between the housing 210 and the chuck 220.
- the rotation-locking mechanism 260 comprises a bi-directional rotation-locking mechanism 260, and even more specifically comprises a bi-directional ratchet mechanism 260 for in a first configuration, selectively permitting axial rotation of the chuck 220 with respect to the housing 210 about the axis of rotation "R" in a first rotational direction and precluding axial rotation of the chuck 220 with respect to the housing 210 in a second rotational direction, and in a second configuration, selectively permitting axial rotation of the chuck 220 with respect to the housing 210 in a second rotational direction and precluding axial rotation of the chuck 220 with respect to the housing 210 in a first rotational direction.
- Any suitable rotation locking mechanism can be used.
- the implement assemblies 230 are generally retained within the housing 210 so as to be in non-interfering relation with one another, or in other words to leave sufficient space at the front area of the housing 210 immediately rearwardly of the chuck 220.
- the plurality of implement assemblies 230 are operatively retained within the housing 210 generally in longitudinal alignment with the elongate housing 210, so as to be readily movable to their respective in-use positions.
- the shank 232 of the implement 231 of the one selected implement assembly 230 is received in torque transmitting relation by the torque transmitting section 226, specifically the six triangularly shaped surfaces 226, on the chuck 220 and extends through the implement- receiving opening 225 so as to be able to engage a fastener or the like.
- the torque transmitting section 226, specifically the six triangularly shaped surfaces 226, on the chuck 220 and extends through the implement- receiving opening 225 so as to be able to engage a fastener or the like In use, when a user manually turns the housing about the longitudinal axis "L", the torque generated by such turning about the longitudinal axis "L" is transmitted through the housing 210, through the chuck 220, and to the shank 232 of the implement 231 of the extended implement assembly 230.
- the rotational direction of force transmission can be either clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on the selected direction of the bi-directional rotation locking mechanism 260.
- the means 240 for moving the implement assemblies 230, as selected, singularly between the retracted position and the in-use position comprises an actuator mechanism 240 for each implement assembly 230, and specifically six actuator mechanisms 240 in the second illustrated embodiment.
- the actuator mechanism 240 comprises a main body 241, a thumb engageable portion 242 disposed exteriorly to the main body 210, a stem portion 243, a forwardly extending hook portion 244 having a rearwardly-facing surface 244a, a rearwardly extending hook portion 246 having a forward ly-facing surface 246a, and a pivot pin 247.
- the actuator mechanism 240 is operatively connected to its respective implement assembly 230 at the implement holder 235 via an interconnecting member 249 that pivotally connects to the base 237 at the pivot pin 239 and also pivotally connects to the actuator mechanism 240 at the pivot pin 247.
- the stem portion 243 of the actuator mechanism 240 extends through a slot 213 in the main body 210 and interconnects the main body 241 and the thumb engageable portion 242.
- the forwardly-facing surface 246a of the rearwardly extending hook portion 246 engages a co-operating surface at or adjacent the back end 212 of the housing 210 in removable relation to retain the respective implement assemblies 230 in their retracted positions.
- the means 250 for selectively retaining an implement assembly 230, specifically the selected implement assembly 230, in the forwardly extended in-use position comprises a forwardly facing abutment surface 215 disposed on the inner wall surface 216 of the housing 210.
- the co-operating rearwardly-facing surface 244a on the forwardly extending hook portion 244 of the actuator mechanism 240 securely engages the forwardly facing abutment surface 215 to thereby retain the selected implement assembly 230 in its forwardly extended in- use position.
- the plurality of implement assemblies 230 are operatively retained by the housing 210 each for free rotation about its respective pivot axis "P", as discussed above, and for longitudinal movement between a retracted position, as is best seen in Figures 14 and 15A, and a forwardly extended in-use position, as is best seen in Figures 13 and 20.
- the shank 232 of the implement 231 is pivotally unaligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the shank 232 of the implement 231 of the implement assembly 230 is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the pivoting of the selected implement assembly 230 is described in greater detail subsequently.
- the shank 232 of the implement 231 of the implement assembly 230 is pivotally aligned about the pivot axis "P" with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the pivoting of the selected implement assembly 230 is described in greater detail subsequently.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is operatively mounted on the chuck 220 so as to be disposed in laterally spaced relation from the pivot axis "P", as discussed above. More specifically, the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is disposed on the chuck 220, and even more specifically, the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is integrally formed on the chuck 220. As can be readily seen, the pivot-inducing deflector 270 comprises an obliquely angled guide surface 274, and more specifically comprises a plurality of angled guide surfaces 270, and as seen in the illustrated embodiment, six obliquely angled guide surfaces 270.
- the number of guide surfaces 270 corresponds to the number of deflector receiving portions 234, namely six, on the implement assemblies 230.
- the lateral distance between the pivot-inducing deflector 270 and the longitudinal axis "L” acts as a moment arm for causing rotation of the implement about the longitudinal axis "L".
- each pivot-inducing deflector 270 is sloped along a portion of the longitudinal axis "L" from a first end 271 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270 at a first radial angular position to a second end 272 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270 at a second radial angular position.
- the second end 272 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is closer to the chuck 220 than is the first end 271 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270.
- the first end 271 comprises a rear apex 271a that is substantially unrounded, or in other words is angled and not rounded.
- pivot-inducing deflector 270 is substantially flat and slopes in one direction only. Accordingly, with the first end of the pivot-inducing deflector 270 shaped as described, the chance of the selected implement assembly 230 abutting against the first end 271 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270 and not readily moving further forwardly, or even not moving further forwardly, is substantially precluded.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is disposed adjacent the implement receiving opening 225 of the chuck so as to be in an advantageous position to pivotally deflect the selected implement assembly 230 just before it enters the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement receiving opening 225.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is for engaging the selected implement assembly 230 that is being moved to its forwardly extended in-use position, to thereby pivot the selected implement assembly 230 about its pivot axis "P", to thereby pivotally align the implement assembly 230 about the pivot axis "P" respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of with the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220 as the selected implement assembly 230 is being moved to its extended in-use position, to thereby permit the chuck 220 to engage the selected implement assembly 230 in torque transmitting relation.
- FIGs 13 through 20 show the pivotal alignment of the selected implement assembly 230 as it is moved forwardly from its retracted position to its forwardly extended in- use position.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 is in position to receive the deflector receiving portion 234 of the selected implement assembly 230, as the selected implement assembly 230 is moved forwardly from its retracted position to its forwardly extended in-use position.
- the six obliquely angled guide surfaces 274 are in position to receive the six deflector receiving portions 234 of the selected implement assembly 230.
- the six deflector receiving portions 234 of the shank 232 of the selected implement assembly 230 are adjacent the apexes of the hexagonally shaped shank 232.
- One deflector receiving portion 234 is to be received by each of the obliquely angled guide surfaces 274.
- No portion of the selected implement assembly 230 is yet in the implement -receiving opening 225, which is therefore unoccupied.
- Figure 15A shows the unoccupied implement-receiving opening 225 and the pivot-inducing deflector 270, or more specifically stated, the six obliquely angled guide surfaces 274, from behind, basically from the point of view of the selected implement as it is moved forwardly from its retracted position.
- pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 274 which would cover one-sixth (sixty degrees) of the circumference of the implement-receiving opening 225, since there are six deflector receiving portions 234 spaced equally radially apart around the perimeter of the hexagonal shank 232 of each implement assembly 230.
- each deflector receiving portion 234 spaced equally radially apart around the perimeter of the hexagonal shank 232 of each implement 231 of each implement assembly 230 could each cover one-sixth (sixty degrees) of the circumference of the implement assembly 230, and one single pivot-inducing deflector surface 274 could cover a very small radial area if desired.
- the deflector receiving portions 234 of the selected implement assembly 230 are each in operative engagement with the pivot -inducing deflector surface 274 (although only two are viewable) and showing the selected hexagonally shaped implement assembly 230 in the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 225.
- the implement assembly 230 has not pivoted about its pivot axis "P" and accordingly, the shank 232 of the implement of the selected implement assembly 230 remains angularly misaligned with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the six deflector receiving portions 234 each contact a corresponding one of the pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 274 of the pivot-inducing deflector 270.
- the deflector receiving portions 234 of the selected implement assembly 230 each remain in operative engagement with the pivot -inducing deflector surface 274 (although only two are viewable) each by sliding along the respective pivot-inducing deflector surface 274.
- the hexagonally shaped shank 232 of the implement 231 of the selected implement assembly 230 is about to enter the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 225.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 causes the selected implement assembly 230 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "PI". Accordingly, the shank 232 of the implement of the selected implement assembly 230 remains angularly misaligned with respect to the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220. As shown, the deflector receiving portions 234 are nearly at the half-way point along each corresponding pivot-inducing deflector surface 274.
- the deflector receiving portions 234 of the selected implement assembly 230 still each remain in operative engagement with the pivot-inducing deflector surface 274 (although only two are viewable) each by sliding along the respective pivot -inducing deflector surface 274.
- the hexagonally shaped shank 232 of the implement of the selected implement assembly 230 is still about to enter the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 225.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 continues to cause the selected implement assembly 230 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "P2".
- the shank 232 of the implement 231 of the selected implement assembly 230 still remains angularly misaligned with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the deflector receiving portions 234 are past the half-way point along each corresponding pivot -inducing deflector surface 274.
- the pivot-inducing deflector 270 continues to cause the selected implement assembly 230 to pivot about its pivot axis "P" a final amount in a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as indicated by arrow "P3".
- the deflector receiving portions 234 have reached the ends of the respective pivot-inducing deflector surfaces 274, and are aligned with the correspondingly shaped apexes of the implement-receiving opening 225.
- the hexagonally shaped shank 232 of the implement 231 of the selected implement assembly 230 is now pivotally aligned with respect to the torque transmitting section 226 of the chuck 220 adjacent the front of the hexagonally shaped implement-receiving opening 225 of the chuck 220.
- the selected implement assembly 230 can now be moved forwardly all of the way to its fully extended in-use position, as shown in Figure 20.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Percussive Tools And Related Accessories (AREA)
- Table Equipment (AREA)
- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562236935P | 2015-10-04 | 2015-10-04 | |
US201662293833P | 2016-02-11 | 2016-02-11 | |
PCT/CA2016/000244 WO2017059519A1 (en) | 2015-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Multi-implement tool |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3383588A1 true EP3383588A1 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
EP3383588A4 EP3383588A4 (en) | 2019-12-04 |
EP3383588B1 EP3383588B1 (en) | 2023-04-19 |
Family
ID=58468390
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16852922.0A Active EP3383588B1 (en) | 2015-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Multi-implement tool |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3383588B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108698216B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2944086A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017059519A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6148696A (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2000-11-21 | Chiang; Shu Chi | Ratchet screw driver |
JP2001162545A (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2001-06-19 | Snap-On Tools Corp | Ratchet-type hand tool |
US6332384B1 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2001-12-25 | Gary Paul Cluthe | Multiple bit screwdriver |
CA2660657C (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2011-07-12 | Dragonfire Group Holdings Limited | Multi-bit screwdriver |
CN201055983Y (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-05-07 | 曾恺中 | Rotating wheel type detrusion and guide device for replacing bottle opener |
ES2957385T3 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2024-01-18 | Retract A Bit Inc | Multi Bit Hand Tool |
WO2015164946A1 (en) * | 2014-05-01 | 2015-11-05 | Gerard Grand | Multi-bit tool with bi-directional ratchet mechanism |
-
2016
- 2016-10-04 CA CA2944086A patent/CA2944086A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-10-04 EP EP16852922.0A patent/EP3383588B1/en active Active
- 2016-10-04 CN CN201680071063.3A patent/CN108698216B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2016-10-04 WO PCT/CA2016/000244 patent/WO2017059519A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2017059519A1 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
CN108698216B (en) | 2021-07-02 |
CA2944086A1 (en) | 2017-04-04 |
CN108698216A (en) | 2018-10-23 |
EP3383588A4 (en) | 2019-12-04 |
EP3383588B1 (en) | 2023-04-19 |
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