U.S. patent application number 09/745281 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for multiple sleeve interchangeable tool bit pocket tool.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Wayne, Cassutti, Paolo.
Application Number | 20010012754 09/745281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26930699 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010012754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson, Wayne ; et
al. |
August 9, 2001 |
Multiple sleeve interchangeable tool bit pocket tool
Abstract
A pocket hand tool has tow opposing sleeves which are pivotally
connected to opposite ends of a new pocket tool handle. Each sleeve
slidably receives interchangeable tool bits. The sleeves are
selectively pivoted from an inoperable position within the handle
to an operable position disposed away from the handle.
Inventors: |
Anderson, Wayne; (Northport,
NY) ; Cassutti, Paolo; (Northport, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LACKENBACH SIEGEL MARZULLO
ARONSON & GREENSPAN, P.C.
Penthouse Suite
One Chase Road
Scarsdale
NY
10583
US
|
Family ID: |
26930699 |
Appl. No.: |
09/745281 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09745281 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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09237457 |
Jan 26, 1999 |
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09237457 |
Jan 26, 1999 |
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08904665 |
Aug 1, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
451/524 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25F 1/02 20130101; B25F
1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/524 |
International
Class: |
B24D 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hand tool comprising: a handle, said handle having elongated
sides and oppositely disposed ends, tool bits, a first tool
comprising a sleeve having a closed end, means for pivotally
connecting the closed end of the sleeve to one end of the handle,
said first tool sleeve being non-removably connected to said means
for pivotally connecting the first tool sleeve, a second tool
comprising a sleeve having a closed end sleeve, means for pivotally
connecting the closed end to the other end of the handle, said
second tool sleeve being non-removably connected to said means for
pivotally connecting the second tool sleeve, said first and second
sleeves being formed to operably non-rotatably receive said tool
bits, wherein the hand tool is operable as a first tool or second
tool.
2. The hand tool of claim 1, each said sleeve being pivotable about
180.degree. from a respective inoperable position disposed between
the handle sides to a respective operable position disposed away
from the handle.
3. The hand tool of claim 2, each said sleeve having a central
axis, and said central axes being in parallel disposition in the
respective inoperable positions.
4. The hand tool of claim 3, said handle having an elongated
central axis, and said sleeves central axes being angularly
disposed with respect to the handle central axis.
5. The hand tool of claim 1, tool bit members having a body portion
and oppositely disposed ends, each said tool bit being formed at an
opposite end of each tool bit member.
6. The hand tool of claim 1, said handle sides comprising elongated
plates in parallel disposition.
7. The hand tool of claim 1, said handle having an elongated
central axis and each said sleeve having a central axis, and
wherein the first tool sleeve central axis is in parallel
disposition with said handle central axis.
8. The hand tool of claim 7, wherein the second tool sleeve has
central axis, and wherein the second tool sleeve central axis is in
parallel disposition with said handle central axis.
9. The hand tool of claim 1, each said means pivotally connecting
comprises a pivot axis, said pivot axes being in parallel
disposition.
10. The hand tool of claim 2, said first tool being disposed
adjacent one handle side in the first tool inoperable position.
11. The hand tool of claim 10, said second tool being disposed
adjacent the other handle side in the second tool inoperable
position.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to an improved hand tool and to an
improved multibit folding screwdriver tool; and more particularly
to a hex key tool having in addition to a set of conventional hex
keys, a 4-in-1 or 8-in-1 driver tool, such as disclosed in our
copending U.S. patent applications, Ser. Nos. 08/451,398, filed May
26, 1995, and 08/620,471, filed Mar. 22, 1996, both of which are
intended to be and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Also, this application relates to our copending U.S. patent
application, entitled "Improved Hand/Survival Tool Having Multiple
Implements" Ser. No. (not yet known), filed concurrently with the
instant patent application on Aug. 1, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Heretofore, hex key tools made and sold by various
well-known manufacturers, such as Allen, a Daneher Tool Group of
West Hartford, Conn. 06110, comprise either a set of loose hex keys
in a pouch, or a set of hex keys pivotably mounted on one or both
ends of a small handle, whereby the hex keys are stored between the
sides of a handle, and individually pivoted outwardly to be used
either in a right angle position or in an extending position
axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle. Other
fold-up hex key sets include at most two or three separately
pivoted screwdriver blades, such as a slotted blade and a Phillips
type screwdriver. While such conventional tools are handy, they
have limited use and do not have multiple drive bits of different
shapes and/or sizes or one or more pivoted drive tools embodying an
outer sleeve and an inner sleeve removably fixed relative thereto,
and having therein replaceable drive bits for torquing fasteners or
nuts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The improved hand tool of the invention incorporates with or
without a hex key set, a 4-in-1 or 8-in-1 driver tool which is
pivotable at an end of the tool handle. With such a driver tool and
its multiple drive bits, removably secured to mateable drive
sleeves, the tool of the present invention enables a collection of
various sizes and types of drive bits, such as Phillips, flat,
star, etc., to be immediately available to the user of such tool,
thereby eliminating the need for seeking out a different tool.
Mechanics, machinists and other tradespeople, as well as
"do-it-yourselfers," have a clear need for such improved hand tool
since it eliminates having to have in hand on any job multiple
tools of various sizes and types, and contributes to saving space
in one's toolbox, besides being of economic benefit in that fewer
overall tools need be purchased by the user. In addition, other
pivotable tools, such as a flashlight and/or telescoping magnetic
pick-up may also be employed in the practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0004] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of
the improved hex key hand tool of the present invention with
various sized hex keys pivoted to both ends of the tool handle, and
with a 4-in-1 driver tool pivotably mounted at one end thereof.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a plan view looking into the cavity/compartment of
the improved hand tool of FIG. 1, but with the 4-in-1 driver tool,
and all of the set of hex keys, shown in the stored condition,
except for the set of hex keys grouped at one end which keys are
shown extending downwardly out of view, but at right angles to the
handle.
[0006] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the improved hex key hand
tool shown in a side elevational view, partly in section, but with
a formed cut-away handle allowing for an improved grip by the
user's fingers, and for a bigger/wider bit holder, with all hex
keys and the 4-in-1 driver tool, at opposite ends of the tool
handle, and with a conventional U-shaped loop for use in handing
the tool on a peg or chain.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a side-elevational view, similar to that of FIG.
3, and also partly in section, but showing the hex keys pivoted out
of the way for access to the 4-in-1 driver tool.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view partly in section of the
hex key hand tool of FIGS. 3 and 4, but showing the 4-in-1 driver
tool in its fully extended operative position.
[0009] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the improved hex key
hand tool of FIGS. 1 and 2, but with an additional pivotable tool,
such as a small flashlight.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 showing
the 4-in-1 driver tool fully extended alongside the flashlight, and
with one hex key at the opposite end fully extended outwardly with
all other hex keys extended downwardly at right angles thereto with
the cavity/compartment of the handle shown empty.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a plan view, similar to that of FIG. 7, but
showing the 4-in-1 driver tool and flashlight in the stored
position, with the set of hex keys extending downwardly at right
angles to the handle for ease of illustration.
[0012] FIGS. 9-11 show a couple of alternate 8-in-1 pocket drive
tools, with FIG. 9 showing in plan view, and partly in section, a
pair of 4-in-1 drive tools offset from each other at opposite pivot
axes of the handle. FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal section
showing a pair of 4-in-1 drive tools axially in line with the
longitudinal axis of the handle, but with one of the drive tools
stored and the other ready for use; and FIG. 11 shows both 4-in-1
drive tools stored between the side walls of the handle.
[0013] FIGS. 12 and 13 is another modification of the improved hand
tool with a set of hex keys pivotable at one end, and a 4-in-1 hand
tool pivotable at the opposite end of the handle and with an
adjacent telescoping magnetic pick-up for use in seeking out
"loose" fasteners/nuts, etc.
[0014] FIGS. 14 and 15 are views similar to that of FIGS. 3-5, but
with a "closed-type" cutout handle, and a pivotable 4-in-1 hand
tool at one end thereof.
[0015] FIGS. 16 and 17 are views similar to that of FIGS. 14 and
15, but showing an 8-in-1 hand tool (in lieu of a 4-in-1 hand
tool); and
[0016] FIGS. 18-20 are views similar to that of FIGS. 16 and 17,
except that the 8-in-1 (or 4-in-1 if desired) drive tool is also
provided with one or more crossbores for torquing the hexagonal
sleeves or drive bits using the handle as a lever arm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-20 and in particular FIGS. 1 and
2, there is shown a hex key set 10 pivotably mounted on axes 11,
suitably, at the ends of a pair of side bolsters or at opposite
ends of an integrally formed one-piece handle 12. In the improved
hex key hand tool of the invention, a 4-in-1 (or 8-in-1) drive tool
is suitably pivotably connected at one end of an outer sleeve 14,
with a removably mounted inner sleeve 16 having a pair of drive
bits 18 and 20 removably retained in place by conventional biasable
ball detent means, with only balls shown on the flat planar hex
surfaces. Other suitable securing means, which are well known,
include magnets, retaining clips, mating grooves and protrusions
(ears or wings), may likewise be employed in lieu of the biasable
ball detent means. The innards of the inner sleeve 16 comprise
hexagonal bores which drive the hexagonal drive bits 18 or 20; and
the inner sleeve 16 is also suitably connected in any conventional,
removable manner, while enabling rotational transmission of torque
between the inner and outer sleeves. Such well-known drive rotation
connections, for example, may comprise a pair of opposite grooves
(not shown) on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 14, and a
mateable pair of ears (not shown) on the outer wall of the inner
sleeve 16 as described hereinabove with respect to the connection
between the drive bits and the inner sleeve. Alternatively, mating
hexagonal elements may be used to transfer driving forces from one
element or sleeve to another element or sleeve. Also, as noted
herein, other more conventional means, such as the biasable ball
detents, magnets, retaining clips, mating grooves and protrusions
or wings (ears), etc., may be used to retain in place the drive
bits in the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve in the outer sleeve,
so that such elements cannot fall out or be dislodged during
use.
[0018] Also shown for use with the embodiments of the improved hex
key hand tool of the invention is a hexagonal crossbore 17 in the
handle and side 12 where the sidewall is of a single thickness.
Where a laminate of two materials are employed (see lines in
phantom), dual crossbores are employed to engage both the hex drive
bit and the hexagonal outer surface of the inner sleeve (not
shown). Such crossbore(s) enable the tool to be used as a
"T-handle" drive tool. In addition, the pivotable drive tool is
preferably suitably locked in the fully extended, open,
longitudinal position (or even in the right angle position or both,
if desired) by any of the well known and conventional means for
locking a tool or "knife blade" in place so that it cannot swing
back into the closed, stored position.
[0019] It will be appreciated that a pair of 4-in-1 drive tools can
be used in one end or at opposite ends of the hex key tool handle.
Alternatively, in lieu of a pair of 4-in-1 drive tools, a "single"
8-in-1 drive tool could be employed, such as that disclosed in our
copending U.S. patent application. Ser. No. 08/620,471, filed Mar.
22, 1996, the contents of which is intended to and is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. Such an 8-in-1 drive tool would,
however generally increase the length and width of the hex key tool
handle to a size which would be bigger than that of a conventional
hex key tool depending upon the length and diameter of the drive
bits. The only difference is that a pair of inner or servant
sleeves would mate with a single master sleeve, with each of the
inner or servant sleeves having a pair of drive bits and with the
master sleeve mating similarly with the outer sleeve. In this
connection, the drive bits may be either of the male or female
types, so that both regular fasteners can be driven/undriven, and
also nuts (hexagonal and the like) likewise driven to a tight
condition or loosened by the various hexagon tubular-like elements
(bores of the inner or servant sleeves and the master bore(s) in
the master sleeve and/or pivotable sleeve itself).
[0020] FIGS. 3-5, while similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, embody
essentially an "open" cavity in a one-piece, integrally constructed
handle 30. Such open cavity facilitates access to the hex keels
and/or other tool implements pivotably mounted to the handle 30.
The handle 30 is further provided with a conventional U-shaped loop
32 for storing of the tool on a peg or other hook, as well as for
securing the tool on a chain.
[0021] In FIGS. 6-8, which show an embodiment similar to that of
FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the addition of a small flashlight 22
(battery operated--not shown) pivotably mounted to the handle 12'
about axis 11'. Such a flashlight tool feature is convenient, and
very handy, especially where the tool may be used in close dark
quarters having little light source.
[0022] The improved hex key tool of the present invention provides
a new tool having generally in the same single place a plurality of
drive tool bits, in lieu of a plurality of separately pivoted tool
blades, such as flat type, Phillips, Torx or star, pin type, etc.,
all of which individually take up considerable space as each only
performs a single type of function, be it driving a slotted screw,
Phillips head screw or other type of fastener.
[0023] Preferably, the 4-in-1 or 8-in-1 driver tool element should
not normally be offset, and is centered in the tool handle so that
its axis is generally in line with the rotational tool handle
axis.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, handle 12' with a pair of sides and
pivot axes at opposite ends pivotably supports a pair of 4-in-1
drive tools with dual drive bits of varying styles and sizes
releasably secured in a conventional manner, and preferably to a
hexagonal inner sleeve 16' which is pivotably mounted about the
oppositely disposed pivot axes by means of the outer sleeves 14'.
Here the 4-in-1 drive tools are offset from each other to minimize
the length of the tool handle, as if the pair of 4-in-1 drive tools
were in the line with each other along the longitudinal axis of the
handle, the tool handle would normally be twice as long.
[0025] Where it is preferred to have in-line "pressing-rotational"
forces always acting along and about the drive tool axis (without
any "eccentric" effect), the dual 4-in-1 hand tools may be disposed
directly in line axially as shown in FIGS. 10-11, but here the dual
4-in-1 hand tools are stored obliquely inside the handle cavity or
compartment (between the side walls). With this arrangement, the
handle length is basically of the same length as the tool handle of
FIG. 9.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, the improved hand tool is
shown with a set of pivotable hex keys at one end and with a
pivotable 4-in-1 hand tool like that of FIGS. 1-2 and 9, and also
with a telescoping element 36 having magnet means 38 suitably
secured at the distal end of the telescoping sections, such as
powerful disc magnets which are well known and conventional. This
device is a very handy tool for facilitating the easy pick up of
"loose" metal fasteners, nuts, or the like which are lost during
assembly/disassembly of an apparatus, vehicle, etc., and have
dropped into small crevices or other areas inaccessible to one's
fingers.
[0027] In FIGS. 14-17 simply show the improved hand tool without a
set of hex keys, with FIGS. 14-15 illustrating the 4-in-1 hand tool
foldable into the handle cavity/compartment, and FIGS. 16-17
illustrating the 8-in-1 hand tool foldable into the handle cavity.
It will be appreciated that the tool handles of both embodiments
may be generally of the same length as the length of improved hand
tools of the invention are all primarily dependent upon the
particular length and diameter of the drive bits, both of which can
be varied to accommodate a particular sized pocket hand tool or
other type drive tool.
[0028] FIGS. 18-20 are similar to that of FIGS. 16-17, but showing
the 8-in-1 drive tool with the outer "master" sleeve 40 to send its
inner "servant" sleeves 42 (each having a pair of drive bits of
varying styles and/or sizes) removed from the pivotable sleeve 44
shown seated in the cavity/compartment of the handle in its stored
position (but without the sleeve elements and their drive bits).
Here all of the sleeve elements (40 and 42 and the interior of the
pivoted sleeve 44 are polygonal in shape, but preferably hexagonal
as shown (in lieu of other type "rotatable connection," such as the
conventional mating grooves and protruding wings/ears.
[0029] Also shown in FIGS. 18 and 20 are crossbores 46 and 48, the
former of a size to mate with the inner "servant" sleeves 42, and
the latter to mate with the hexagonal drive bits (not shown in
either of the hex holes 48 of the figures). Crossbore 50 in FIG. 20
is shown mated with the larger outer "master" sleeve 40. With this
embodiment, one obtains the lever arm advantage of the handle in
achieving higher torquing power.
[0030] Although the present invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will of course be understood that various
changes and modifications may be made in the form, details and
arrangements of the parts without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *