EP3383588B1 - Outil à ustensiles multiples - Google Patents

Outil à ustensiles multiples Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3383588B1
EP3383588B1 EP16852922.0A EP16852922A EP3383588B1 EP 3383588 B1 EP3383588 B1 EP 3383588B1 EP 16852922 A EP16852922 A EP 16852922A EP 3383588 B1 EP3383588 B1 EP 3383588B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
implement
pivot
chuck
deflector
housing
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP16852922.0A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3383588A1 (fr
EP3383588A4 (fr
Inventor
Gérard Grand
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of EP3383588A1 publication Critical patent/EP3383588A1/fr
Publication of EP3383588A4 publication Critical patent/EP3383588A4/fr
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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.
  • United States Patent No. 6,260,445 issued July 17, 2001 discloses a Ratcheting Composite 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.
  • US Patent no. US-6332384B1 discloses a multiple bit screwdriver having an elongated housing with a plurality of longitudinal channels, each channel having a longitudinal slot opening the channel to an outer surface of the housing.
  • a plurality of screwdriver bits are slidably arranged one in each channel.
  • a plurality of elongated sliding means are arranged one in each channel to reciprocally slide the bit between a retracted position and an extended position.
  • the sliding means are pivotably attached to the bit and has a manipulation means protruding from the channel via the slot.
  • a bit clamping unit is securely attached to a forward end of the screwdriver. The bits may protrude through a central through hole in the clamping unit when in the extended position.
  • the clamping unit has a plurality of locking elements arranged in cutouts, and a sleeve arranged to reciprocally slide over the clamping unit between a forward position and a rearward position biased by a spring towards the forward position.
  • the sleeve clamps the locking elements to lock the bit when in the extended position and frees the locking elements when the sleeve is in the rearward position, to allow the bit to be slid to the retracted position inside the screwdriver. More specifically , this document discloses a multi-implement tool comprising:
  • the present invention provides a multi-implement tool as claimed in claim 1.
  • 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 110f 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. When the selected implement 131 extends through the implement-receiving opening 125, the selected implement 131 is in its extended in-use position.
  • 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 "R". 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 bi-directional 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 forwardly-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 mechanism 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 end 112 of the housing 110 in removable relation to retain the respective implements 131 in their retracted positions.
  • the means 150 for selectively retaining an implement 131, specifically the selected implement 131, in the forwardly extended in-use position comprises 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, the shank 132 of the 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 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.
  • 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 "P1". 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. As shown, 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 .
  • the second illustrated embodiment multi-implement tool 200 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 210, the chuck 220, the plurality of implement assemblies 230, means 240 for moving the implement assemblies 230, means 250 for selectively retaining an implement assembly 230 in its forwardly extended in-use position, a rotation-locking mechanism 260, and a pivot-inducing deflector 270.
  • 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 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 forwardly-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 inter-connecting 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS 16A and 16B show a selected implement assembly 230 having been moved forwardly from its retracted position and towards its extended in-use position, and directed inwardly towards the longitudinal axis "L" by the rearwardly facing implement guide surface 218.
  • 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.
  • FIGS 17A and 17B show a selected implement assembly 230 having been moved slightly more forwardly towards its extended in-use position.
  • 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 "P1". 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.
  • 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)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Un outil à accessoires multiples (100) comprenant :
    un logement (110) ;
    une pluralité d'accessoires (131) retenus fonctionnellement à l'intérieur dudit logement et définissant chacun un axe de pivotement (P) et ayant une tige (132) et une partie de réception de déflecteur (134) disposée suivant une relation latéralement espacée relativement audit axe de pivotement ;
    un mandrin (120) ayant une ouverture de réception d'accessoire (125) pour recevoir la tige de chaque accessoire individuellement en relation de transmission de couple et monté sur ledit logement pour une rotation dudit mandrin et dudit logement l'un par rapport à l'autre autour d'un axe de rotation ;
    où chaque accessoire est retenu à l'intérieur dudit logement pour un mouvement pivotant autour dudit axe de pivotement entre une orientation pivotante non alignée au niveau de laquelle la tige dudit accessoire est non alignée de façon pivotante autour dudit axe de pivotement par rapport à ladite ouverture de réception d'accessoire dudit mandrin et une orientation pivotante alignée au niveau de laquelle la tige dudit accessoire est alignée de façon pivotante autour dudit axe de pivotement avec ladite ouverture de réception d'accessoire dudit mandrin, et pour un mouvement longitudinal entre une position rétractée au niveau de laquelle ledit accessoire est généralement retenu à l'intérieur dudit logement et une position en utilisation au niveau de laquelle la tige dudit accessoire est reçue en relation de transmission de couple par ledit mandrin et ledit accessoire s'étend à travers ladite ouverture de réception d'accessoire ;
    un moyen (140) pour mouvoir lesdits accessoires, selon qu'ils sont sélectionnés, individuellement entre ladite position rétractée et ladite position en utilisation ;
    un moyen (150) pour retenir sélectivement un accessoire dans ladite position en utilisation ;
    un mécanisme de blocage de rotation (160) interposé fonctionnellement entre ledit logement et ledit mandrin ; et,
    un déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) disposé suivant ladite relation latéralement espacée relativement audit axe de pivotement dudit accessoire ;
    où, au fur et à mesure que ledit accessoire est mu de sa position rétractée à sa position en utilisation, une déflexion de ladite partie de réception de déflecteur dudit accessoire par ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement amène ledit accessoire à pivoter autour dudit axe de pivotement de ladite orientation pivotante non alignée à ladite orientation pivotante alignée, afin de permettre de ce fait audit mandrin de se mettre en prise avec ledit accessoire suivant une relation de transmission de couple.
  2. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est disposé sur ledit mandrin (120).
  3. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 2, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est formé d'un seul tenant sur ledit mandrin (120).
  4. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) comprend une surface de guidage à angle oblique (174).
  5. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit mécanisme de blocage de rotation (160) comprend un mécanisme de blocage de rotation bidirectionnel.
  6. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit logement (110) définit un axe longitudinal (L) et où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est incliné le long d'une partie dudit axe longitudinal à partir d'une première extrémité (171) où le déflecteur à induction de pivotement se trouve à une première position angulaire radiale jusqu'à une deuxième extrémité (172) où le déflecteur à induction de pivotement se trouve à une deuxième position angulaire radiale.
  7. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ladite première extrémité (171) comprend un sommet arrière (171a).
  8. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 7, où ledit sommet est non arrondi.
  9. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 6, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est substantiellement plat.
  10. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 9, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est incliné dans une direction seulement.
  11. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est disposé de manière adjacente à ladite ouverture de réception d'accessoire (125) dudit mandrin (120).
  12. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 11, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) est disposé immédiatement à l'arrière de ladite ouverture de réception d'accessoire (125) dudit mandrin (120).
  13. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 1, où ledit déflecteur à induction de pivotement (170) comprend une pluralité de surfaces de guidage à angle oblique (174).
  14. L'outil à accessoires multiples (100) de la revendication 13, où chaque surface de ladite pluralité de surfaces de guidage à angle oblique (170) est similaire l'une par rapport aux autres.
EP16852922.0A 2015-10-04 2016-10-04 Outil à ustensiles multiples Active EP3383588B1 (fr)

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 (fr) 2015-10-04 2016-10-04 Outil à ustensiles multiples

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3383588A1 EP3383588A1 (fr) 2018-10-10
EP3383588A4 EP3383588A4 (fr) 2019-12-04
EP3383588B1 true EP3383588B1 (fr) 2023-04-19

Family

ID=58468390

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16852922.0A Active EP3383588B1 (fr) 2015-10-04 2016-10-04 Outil à ustensiles multiples

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3383588B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN108698216B (fr)
CA (1) CA2944086A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017059519A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6148696A (en) 1999-06-01 2000-11-21 Chiang; Shu Chi Ratchet screw driver
JP2001162545A (ja) 1999-09-07 2001-06-19 Snap-On Tools Corp ラチェット式手工具
US6332384B1 (en) 2001-02-09 2001-12-25 Gary Paul Cluthe Multiple bit screwdriver
WO2005051607A1 (fr) * 2003-11-28 2005-06-09 Dragonfire Group Holdings Limited Tournevis multi-embouts
CN201055983Y (zh) * 2007-06-19 2008-05-07 曾恺中 转轮式替换起子的推出导正装置
EP3062968A4 (fr) * 2013-10-28 2017-07-26 Retract-A-Bit Inc. Outil à main à bouts multiples
WO2015164946A1 (fr) * 2014-05-01 2015-11-05 Gerard Grand Outil à plusieurs embouts doté d'un mécanisme à rochet bidirectionnel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3383588A1 (fr) 2018-10-10
EP3383588A4 (fr) 2019-12-04
WO2017059519A1 (fr) 2017-04-13
CN108698216B (zh) 2021-07-02
CN108698216A (zh) 2018-10-23
CA2944086A1 (fr) 2017-04-04

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