EP3852979B1 - Dispositif de stockage avec des cellules pour stocker des embouts - Google Patents

Dispositif de stockage avec des cellules pour stocker des embouts Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3852979B1
EP3852979B1 EP19863624.3A EP19863624A EP3852979B1 EP 3852979 B1 EP3852979 B1 EP 3852979B1 EP 19863624 A EP19863624 A EP 19863624A EP 3852979 B1 EP3852979 B1 EP 3852979B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
storage device
bits
tubular shaft
bit
cartridge
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.)
Active
Application number
EP19863624.3A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3852979A1 (fr
EP3852979C0 (fr
EP3852979A4 (fr
Inventor
Jonathan D. SNOOK
Thomas G. FULBRIGHT
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Wheelfloat Inc
Original Assignee
Wheelfloat Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/134,808 external-priority patent/US11148276B2/en
Application filed by Wheelfloat Inc filed Critical Wheelfloat Inc
Publication of EP3852979A1 publication Critical patent/EP3852979A1/fr
Publication of EP3852979A4 publication Critical patent/EP3852979A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3852979C0 publication Critical patent/EP3852979C0/fr
Publication of EP3852979B1 publication Critical patent/EP3852979B1/fr
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    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • B25F3/00—Associations of tools for different working operations with one portable power-drive means; Adapters therefor

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to a storage device and, more particularly, to a storage device that enables a large variety of different items of similar size to be stored in a portable container and to be readily selectable for retrieval and use.
  • small items that must be stored in some manner.
  • Such small items may include, by way of example, but not limitation, artist charcoal/pencils, children's crayons, drill bits, taps (for cutting threads), bobbins for sewing, spices, gauge pins, screwdriver bits, fishing weights, and the like.
  • artist charcoal/pencils children's crayons
  • drill bits for cutting threads
  • taps for cutting threads
  • bobbins for sewing, spices, gauge pins, screwdriver bits, fishing weights, and the like.
  • small items are all stored together in a large bin, but it then becomes difficult to identify and retrieve any particular item.
  • a small box or drawer will be devoted to each item, but that often results in an inefficient use of space.
  • a screwdriver represents a particular case in point wherein a person may need a number of different screwdrivers to perform a task. This is particularly problematic, time consuming, and even dangerous, when such person is working on a ladder and must continually go up and down the ladder to fetch different screwdrivers.
  • screwdrivers are available which hold a number of different bits selectable by a user; such screwdrivers are referred to as multi-bit screwdrivers.
  • multi-bit screwdrivers There are, however, a number of drawbacks associated with "multi-bit" screwdrivers. The most common drawback is that such screwdrivers typically require two hands to change a bit, which can be dangerous when, for example, a user is standing atop a high ladder.
  • Another common drawback is that the number of bits is very limited, such as six or even fewer bits.
  • bits can be dropped or lost during handling.
  • US 2017/100832 describes a storage device including at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item.
  • a receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver.
  • Magnets are secured to the receiver and at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, and in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway.
  • the storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item.
  • a receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extending longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening in an external surface of the receiver.
  • magnets are secured to the receiver and the at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway.
  • one of one or more springs extends through a slot of a respective cartridge of the one or more cartridges, and is positioned and restrained between two stops.
  • Each spring of the one or more springs is sized to bow between the two stops and bias each of the one or more cartridges in a first position in the one or more cells wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the one or more cells wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway.
  • the storage device is configured as a portion of a handle in a multi-bit screwdriver having a tubular shaft extending from the handle.
  • the screwdriver is configured for enabling a user to select a bit and pass it through the handle and tubular shaft to an end of the shaft for use in tightening and loosening fasteners, such as screws.
  • a ratchet mechanism is preferably positioned between the handle and the shaft for selectively controlling the direction of rotation in which the handle turns the shaft and bit.
  • bits are used herein to signify any items desirable for storage, such as, by way of example, but not limitation, artist charcoal/pencils, children's crayons, drill bits, taps (for cutting threads), bobbins for sewing, spices, gauge pins, bits for a screwdriver, fishing weights, and the like.
  • bits will be depicted herein, by way of example, but not limitation, as a Phillips head bit in FIGS. 2A-2D , representative of any of the foregoing items desirable for storage. Terms such as “leftward,” “rightward,” “leftwardly,” and “rightwardly,”are relative terms as will be defined below with respect to respective drawings.
  • the reference numeral 90 generally designates a storage device for storing bits, as defined above.
  • the storage device 90 includes a number of cartridges 308, each of which defines a cavity (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for storing a single storage item.
  • the storage device 90 includes a receiver 92 that defines at least one cell (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for receiving the at least one cartridge 308, and a passageway (not shown in FIG. 1 ) extending longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening 309 defined in an external surface of the receiver for inserting items into the unit, and for retrieving items from the unit.
  • the passageway facilitates passage of a selected storage item between a cartridge 308 cavity and the opening 309.
  • the storage device 90 is described in further detail below with respect to one application relating to a multi-bit screwdriver.
  • the reference numeral 100 generally designates a multi-bit screwdriver.
  • Screwdriver 100 preferably includes a handle portion 102, a ratchet 310, a shaft portion 104, and a bit portion 106, all of which portions will be described in further detail below.
  • FIGURE 2A is a perspective view exemplifying bit 106.
  • FIGURE 2B is a side view of bit of FIG. 2A , and as shown therein, bit 106 includes a base portion 202 and a head portion 204.
  • Head portion 204 is depicted as a Phillips head, but may be of any suitable or desirable shape, such as a slotted (flat) head, square, hex socket, Allen, spanner head, spline drive, or the like.
  • Base portion 202 preferably includes a number of generally concave sides or surfaces 206 arranged in any suitable shape, such as a hexagon or six-pointed star having six generally concave sides in a preferred embodiment, depicted in FIGURE 2C , or in alternative embodiments, base portion 202 may define any of a number of different shapes, such as a hexagon, pentagon, octagon, or the like with sides 206 which may be flat, but which are preferably concave, or the like, having edges, such as depicted by reference numeral 212.
  • FIGURE 2D shows sides 206 of the base portion 202, and edge 212, preferably conically canted toward head portion 204 at an angle 210 from a line 214 parallel to a centerline 208 of bit 106.
  • Angle 210 is preferably about 1°, but may vary from 0° to about 10° for reasons discussed below.
  • Bit 106 is preferably made from substantially hard, non-magnetic material, such as high manganese steel alloy, stainless steel, or the like.
  • FIGURES 3A and 3D are cross-sections of screwdriver 100 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1A .
  • Handle 102 preferably defines six columns 302, though more or less such columns may be so defined.
  • Each column 302 includes at least one row 304 (three of which rows are exemplified in FIG. 3D ), and each row 304 of each column 302 defines one respective cell 306 for holding one respective cartridge 308, discussed below.
  • Screwdriver 100 preferably also includes a ratchet mechanism 310, which may comprise any conventional ratchet mechanism, but preferably a ratchet as taught in co-pending Patent Application No. 14/677,698, filed April 2, 2015 , and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • FIGURES 3B and 3C depict a view of upper and lower cell surfaces, respectively, of a row 304 of cells 306.
  • each upper and lower surface preferably includes two receiver magnets 314 and 316 embedded therein in each cell 306.
  • the north and south polarities of the magnets are designated in the drawings by positive and negative signs ("+" and "-"), respectively.
  • Magnets 314 and 316 are preferably oriented to have opposite polarities. While polarities of magnets 314 and 316 are depicted of particular polarities, polarities may be reversed so long as resultant magnetic interactions are consistent with interactions caused by polarities described herein.
  • FIGURES 4-7 depict a cartridge 308 configured to receive and hold bit 106 in cell 306, and preferably fabricated from a non-magnetic material such as plastic, high manganese steel alloy, stainless steel, or the like.
  • Cartridge 308 defines a cavity 402 for receiving bit 106 ( FIG. 7 ), and a button 404.
  • Cartridge 308 preferably includes three cartridge magnets, namely, a cavity magnet 410 positioned at the bottom of cavity 402, and upper and lower magnets 406 and 408 positioned in upper and lower portions of button 404.
  • the polarity of magnets 406 and 408 is preferably oriented the same, and opposite that of magnet 410. As exemplified most clearly in FIG.
  • the positive or north ends of magnets 406, 408, and 410 is represented by ends 406a, 408a, and 410b respectively; thus, as viewed in FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B , positive or north ends 406a and 408a of magnets 406 and 408 are oriented upwardly, and the positive or north end 410b of magnet 410 is oriented downwardly.
  • the negative or south ends of magnets 406, 408, and 410 is represented by ends 406b, 408b, and 410a respectively; thus, as viewed in FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B , negative or south ends 406b and 408b of magnets 406 and 408 are oriented downwardly, and the negative or south end 410a of magnet 410 is oriented upwardly.
  • screwdriver 100 includes handle 102, which includes a number of columns 302, each of which columns includes at least one row 304 (three of which rows are exemplified in FIG. 3D ), and each row 304 of each column 302 defines one respective cell 306.
  • a cartridge 308 is positioned in each cell 306.
  • each cartridge is shown holding a Phillips head bit, though typically, various bits, discussed above, would be stored in the cartridges.
  • Screwdriver 100 further preferably includes a passageway 309 and a funnel 311 (with a lower opening slightly larger than an upper opening) for facilitating and directing the passage of bits between passageway 307 ( FIGS. 3B, 3C ) of handle 102 and shaft 104.
  • Bores 313 and 315 are preferably formed for the purpose of facilitating placement of magnets 314 and 316, respectively, in the upper row of cells 306 of handle 102.
  • FIGURE 8A depicts a cross section of one row 304 of handle 102 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3D .
  • the row is exemplified in handle 102 having six columns 302, and hence, six cells 306 and six cartridges 308.
  • letters are appended to cartridges 308 to distinguish them, one from another.
  • FIGURES 8B-8D will be discussed further below with respect to operation of the screwdriver.
  • FIGURE 9A depicts a cross-section of shaft 104 and ratchet mechanism 310 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1A .
  • the shaft 104 includes a barrel 320 rotatably fixed to the ratchet mechanism 310 and handle 102.
  • a sleeve 332 is slidably positioned about barrel 320, and restrained in axial movement by a catch 321.
  • a spring 330 urges the sleeve against catch 321, and a finger pull 324 is positioned on the sleeve for enabling a user to use a finger (or alternatively a thumb) to pull the sleeve back against the bias of spring 330.
  • the interior of barrel 320 is preferably configured with a number of lands 322 that are tapered so that the barrel interior has a substantially circular cross-section at a lower end (as viewed in FIG. 9A ) which tapers, at an upper end (as viewed in FIG. 9A ), to a substantially polygonal shape, preferably a generally hexagonal or six-pointed star shape having six generally convex sides as shown in FIGS. 12B and 14B and corresponding to the sides of the bit shown in FIG. 2C .
  • the taper of lands 322 along the barrel are seen more clearly in FIGS. 9A-15 , discussed below in connection with the operation of screwdriver 100.
  • base 202 of bit 106 consists of six generally concave sides, as shown in FIG. 2C
  • the barrel consists of six generally convex lands configured at the upper end to matingly engage the six generally concave sides 206 of base 202.
  • sleeve 332 As more clearly depicted in FIG. 14A , toward the upper end of barrel 320 and sleeve 332, the inside diameter of sleeve 332 opens along a taper 332a creating space 342.
  • a leaf spring 326 is positioned between barrel 320 and sleeve 332 and secured thereto at 327 using securing means, such as conventional staking or clipping.
  • a locking block 328 is positioned and secured atop each leaf spring 326.
  • Locking blocks 328 are further preferably provided with bottom surfaces 328b which seat on corresponding lower surfaces 344a of openings 344, both of which bottom surfaces 328b and lower surfaces 344a are inclined downwardly into the interior of barrel 320 at an angle 329 ( FIG. 13 ) greater than zero but less than about 30° to further bias locking blocks 328 into openings 344.
  • sides 328c FIG.
  • Locking blocks 328 preferably also define tapers 328a at lower ends of the barrel side of the blocks, for pushing locking blocks 328 outwardly against leaf spring 326 pressure, upon contact with bit 106, and allowing bit 106 to pass when it is moving upwardly through barrel 320, as shown in FIG. 13 .
  • Leaf spring 326 pressure is such that momentum of traveling bit 106 is capable of overcoming pressure and thereby pushes locking blocks 328 out of the bit path. Once bit 106 passes the locking blocks, the locking blocks return to the position of blocking the bit from moving back into barrel 320. Bit 106 continues travel toward an opening 346 at the end of barrel 320, and is restrained from traveling of the barrel by stop 348. It may be appreciated that as a user uses a finger to pull the sleeve 332 back, as depicted in FIG. 15 , taper 332a moves downwardly allowing leaf springs 326 to expand outwardly into space 342, and locking blocks 328 to move outwardly from the openings 344 of the barrel 320.
  • locking blocks 328 may be suitably curvilinear (i.e. , non-flat) to conform with openings 344 and fit within the curved space 342. It may be further appreciated that the combination of locking blocks 328, leaf spring 326, sleeve 332, and stops 348 form a locking mechanism to secure a bit 106 in place at the end of the shaft 104.
  • FIG. 8A depicts an initial state of cartridges 308 in handle 102.
  • a user desires to use bit 106 in cartridge 308a, then he would apply force with a finger to button 404 of cartridge 308a in a direction indicated by arrow 820.
  • cartridges 308b are pushed outwardly, until cartridge 308a is positioned as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 9A shows how the barrel 320 cross-section is substantially circular, with small lands 323.
  • FIG. 9C shows the normal position of locking blocks 328 when bit 106 is not in position for use.
  • FIG. 10A shows bit 106 moving upwardly in the direction of arrow 1002, and
  • FIG. 10B shows how lands 323 are enlarging.
  • FIG. 11A shows bit 106 continuing to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 1002, and FIG.
  • FIG. 11B shows how lands 323 continue to enlarge toward sides 206 of base 202 of bit 106.
  • FIG. 12A shows bit 106 continuing to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 1002 toward locking blocks 328
  • FIG. 12B shows how lands 323 continue to enlarge toward sides 206 of base 202 of bit 106, almost coinciding with them.
  • FIG. 13 shows bit 106 continuing to move upwardly and engaging locking blocks 328, causing locking blocks 328 to move outwardly, against spring 326 pressure, as bit 106 passes them.
  • FIG. 12A shows bit 106 continuing to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 1002 toward locking blocks 328
  • FIG. 12B shows how lands 323 continue to enlarge toward sides 206 of base 202 of bit 106, almost coinciding with them.
  • FIG. 13 shows bit 106 continuing to move upwardly and engaging locking blocks 328, causing locking blocks 328 to move outwardly, against spring 326 pressure, as bit 106 passes them.
  • FIG. 14A shows bit 106 in position just above locking blocks 328 sufficiently to allow locking blocks 328 to re-enter openings 344 and prevent bit 106 from moving downwardly, while stops 348 prevent bit 106 from moving upwardly, thereby securing bit 106 in position for use.
  • FIG. 14B shows how lands 323 fully engage sides 206 of base 202 of bit 106, thereby preventing bit 106 from rotating, rendering bit 106 ready for use. It can be appreciated that the configuration of lands 323 allows a bit 106 to enter barrel 320 at virtually any angular orientation, and to be adjusted in its orientation as it moves along inside the barrel so that at the upper end of the barrel, the bit is properly oriented with shaft 104, secured therein, and ready for use in screwdriver 100.
  • bit 106 when bit 106 is no longer needed or another bit is desired, bit 106 may be restored to its cartridge 308 by using a finger or thumb to pull downwardly on finger pulls 324, thereby pulling taper 332a back, and allowing leaf springs 326 to expand outwardly into space 342, thereby allowing bit 106 to fall back into the barrel, as indicated by arrow 1502, until it lands in cavity 402 of its respective cartridge 308, positioned as shown in FIG. 8C . With reference to FIG. 8D , a user may then press button 404 of cartridge 308d in the direction of arrow 822 to push cartridge 308a in the direction of arrow 824 back to its original position of FIG.
  • bits 106 have not been or are not loaded into cartridge cavities 402, then, with reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C , a user may continue pushing cartridge 308a until cartridge 308a engages and pushes cartridge 308d far enough out of its respective cell 306 so that a user may grab and pull cartridge 308d out of respective cell 306. A bit 106 may then be loaded into cavity 402 of cartridge 308d. Cartridge 308d is then placed back into its respective receiver cell 306 and pushed in until it engages cartridge 308a as shown in FIG. 8D and pushes cartridge 308a until its respective magnets 314 and 316 pull cartridge 308a back to a proper position in its respective cell 306.
  • Cartridge 308d is then released so that its respective magnets 314 and 316 may pull cartridge 308d back to its proper position within its respective cell 306.
  • the same procedure used to load bits 106 may also be used to unload or remove bits 106 from a cartridge cavity 402, or to replace bits 106 with other bits 106.
  • FIGURE 16 depicts a screwdriver 1700 according to an alternate example, similar to the embodiment of screwdriver 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-15 , but in which a selected bit 106 is dropped out of an opening defined in a lower end of the handle, rather than being passed through the shaft 1704.
  • screwdriver 1700 preferably includes a handle 1702, a ratchet 1710, a shaft 1704, and a driver 1706.
  • the handle 1702 includes a bit holder portion 1712.
  • a lower end of handle 1702 defines an opening 1708 through which bits 106 may fall out, as discussed below.
  • FIGURE 18 depicts a cross-section of screwdriver 1700 taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 16 .
  • Bit holder portion 1712 of handle 1702 as shown is configured with six columns and two rows defining twelve cells 1806 for holding up to twelve cartridges and bits 106 in a manner similar to screwdriver 100 described above.
  • the number of columns may vary from six columns, and the number of rows may vary from two or three.
  • cells 1806 are adapted for receiving the same cartridges 308 as described above with respect to screwdriver 100 of FIGS. 1A-15 .
  • Cells 1806 are virtually identical to cells 306 but for being oriented 180° (about a horizontal axis) from cells 306 relative to the rest of the screwdriver, and therefore will not be described in further detail herein.
  • a portion 1714 of screwdriver 1700 above bit holder 1712 is configurable in any suitable manner as a conventional screwdriver, and therefore will not be discussed in further detail herein.
  • Screwdriver 1700 of FIGS. 16-18 Operation of screwdriver 1700 of FIGS. 16-18 is similar to operation of screwdriver 100 of FIGS. 1A-15 , except when a user presses button 404 of cartridge 308, a bit falls downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 18 , and out through opening 1708, for capture by a user. The user then mounts bit 106 onto driver 1706. When work using the bit 106 is complete, the bit is manually removed from driver 1706, the screwdriver is oriented with opening 1708 facing upwardly, and the bit is placed in opening 1708, wherein it falls into cartridge 308 from whence it came, and the cartridge is pushed back into position shown in FIG. 8A and discussed above.
  • FIGURES 19-28 depict a power screwdriver 2100 according to an alternate example wherein multi-bit screwdriver 100 is adapted for being driven by a power tool, such as a power drill ( FIGS. 27-28 ), by adding a shank to a bottom end of the screwdriver, and an outer cover 2112 configured to prevent cartridges 308 from flying out of respective cells from centrifugal force generated when a power drill spins the screwdriver at high speeds.
  • power screwdriver 2100 contains many components that are similar or identical to those of screwdriver 100, exemplified by FIGS. 2-15 , such components are referred to by the same reference numerals and will not be described in any further detail.
  • FIGURES 19 and 20 show two perspective views of one embodiment of power screwdriver 2100, including a shank 2108 extending from a bottom side 92a of receiver 92, and wherein receiver 92 comprises only a single row 304 ( FIG. 3D ) of cells 306 ( FIG. 3A ) and a shaft 2104 is similar to shaft 104, but is relatively shorter. It is understood that power screwdriver 2100 may be configured with multiple rows 304 of cells 306 and that shaft 2104 may be scaled longer or shorter.
  • an outer cover 2112 envelopes cells 306 of receiver 92, and defines openings 2114 configured for providing access to cells 306 of the receiver. Outer cover 2112 is preferably coupled to or integral with sleeve 332 to move synchronously with the sleeve.
  • FIGURE 21 shows power screwdriver 2100 receiver 92 without outer cover 2112.
  • a longitudinal groove 2120 is defined in the receiver.
  • a second longitudinal groove (not shown) is defined on an opposing side of the receiver.
  • FIGURE 22 shows the power screwdriver 2100 outer cover 2112 without receiver 92.
  • two tongues 2126 extend inwardly from an inward surface of the outer cover. Tongues 2126 are configured to matingly engage and slide along complementary grooves 2120 when outer cover 2112 is positioned about receiver 92.
  • outer cover 2112 is coupled to sleeve 332 for synchronous movement with the sleeve.
  • coil spring 330 (see, e.g., FIG. 9A ) that biases sleeve 332 in a forward (upward, as viewed in FIG. 23 ) position toward the end of shaft 2104, also biases outer cover 2112 in a forward position.
  • a retaining ring (not shown) or the like is preferably positioned in a groove 2128 in an end of outer cover 2112 to limit the bias of spring 330 and the forward movement of outer cover 2112.
  • FIGURES 23 and 24 illustrate an operating mode of power screwdriver 2100.
  • two tongues 2126 engage complementary grooves 2120 permitting spring 330 to slide outer cover 2112 and sleeve 332 into a forward position.
  • outer cover 2112 covers cells 306, precluding external access to cartridges 308, and also preventing cartridges 308 from flying out of respective cells from centrifugal force generated when a power drill spins screwdriver 2100 at high speeds.
  • open stops 2122 and closed stops 2124 limit how much outer cover 2112 can be rotated when opening or closing, respectively, outer cover 2112.
  • FIGURES 25 and 26 illustrate a bit changing mode of power screwdriver 2100.
  • two tongues 2126 do not engage complementary grooves 2120, and so restrain outer cover 2112 and sleeve 332 in a rearward position. In such position, outer cover 2112 allows access to cells 306, thereby permitting external access to cartridges 308 so bits 106 may be selected, removed, or changed, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-15 .
  • FIGURES 27 and 28 exemplify how screwdriver 2100 may be coupled to a power drill 2130.
  • shank 2108 is secured in a chuck 2132 to thereby form a temporary coupling.
  • FIG. 28 a more permanent coupling between screwdriver 2100 and power drill 2130 is formed when shank 2108 is secured directly to power drill 2130.
  • FIGURES 29-40 depict details of a storage device 3090, also exemplified as a multi-bit screwdriver 3000, according to a further alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the function previously achieved using magnets is now achieved using springs. Since storage devices 3000 and 3090 contain many components that are identical to those of previous embodiments, these components are referred to by the same reference numerals and will not be described in any further detail.
  • the reference numeral 3090 generally designates an alternative embodiment of a storage device, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , embodying features of the present invention for storing bits, as defined above.
  • Storage device 3090 includes a receiver 3092 that defines at least one cell (not shown in FIG. 29 ) for receiving at least one cartridge 4000 defining a cavity for storing a storage item.
  • Storage device 3090 further includes a passageway extending longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening 3009 defined in an external surface of the receiver for inserting items into the unit, and for retrieving items from the unit. Passageway 3009 facilitates passage of a selected bit between a cartridge 4000 cavity and the opening 3009.
  • the storage functionality of device 3090 is described in further detail below with respect to one application relating to a multi-bit screwdriver.
  • the reference numeral 3000 generally designates a multi-bit screwdriver embodying features of the present invention.
  • Screwdriver 3000 preferably includes a handle portion 3102, a ratchet 310, a shaft portion 104, and a bit portion 106.
  • Ratchet 310, shaft portion 104, and bit portion 106 have been described in some detail above, and so will not be described in further detail herein, but handle portion 3102 will be described in further detail below.
  • FIGURES 31 and 32 correspond to and are similar to the embodiment of the invention depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3D , but for cartridge 308 and magnets 314, 316, 406, 408, and 410 being replaced by cartridge 4000 configured for cooperating with a spring mechanism described below with respect to FIGS. 33-38D .
  • a cartridge 4000 defines a cavity 4002, a passageway 4010, grooves 4012, and button 4014.
  • passageway 4010 extends through the cartridge and between cartridge portions 4004 and 4006.
  • cavity 4002 is effective for receiving and storing bit 106.
  • Grooves 4012 are configured to matingly engage flanges 3020 ( FIG. 32 ), which flanges are configured to prevent cartridges 4000 from falling out of handle 3102.
  • FIGURES 37A-37D are taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 32 , and exemplify a sequence of states of the cartridges of FIGS. 33-36 for positioning a selected bit for use, from four bits depicted in each of FIGS. 37A-38D .
  • four cartridges 4000a, 4000b, 4000c, and 4000d (also referred to collectively as cartridges 4000) are slidably positioned within respective cartridge guides 3016.
  • Stops 3012a, 3012b, 3012c, and 3012d (referred to collectively as stops 3012) extend inwardly within handle portion 3002 between the cartridges and cartridge guides.
  • Springs 3014a, 3014b, 3014c, and 3014d are positioned between respective stops.
  • Each spring preferably comprises a thin strip of sheet material, such as plastic (e.g., BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), also known as Mylar ® ) or metal, that is flexible without yielding.
  • Springs 3014 are sized to pass through passageway 4010 in an arcuate shape and be restrained at respective stops 3012.
  • a user applies a force F to respective button 4014 of cartridge 4000b as indicated by the arrow designated with the letter F in FIG. 37B .
  • cartridge 4000b moves leftwardly within guides 3016 of handle portion 3002, and spring 3014b assumes a convoluted unstable shape which initially resists the leftward movement.
  • spring 3014b assumes a convoluted unstable shape which facilitates leftward movement of cartridge 4000b, as shown in FIG. 37C .
  • Cartridge 4000b then moves, with or without the continued application of force F, toward a stable position, as depicted in FIG. 37D , wherein bit 106 is aligned with the center of barrel 320. Bit 106 may then be moved into and along barrel 320 for use as shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 9A-14B .
  • cartridge 4000b may be restored to its original position shown in FIG. 37A . This is done by applying force F to button 4014d of opposing cartridge 4000d, causing cartridges 4000d and 4000b to move rightwardly, as shown in FIG. 38B .
  • springs 3014b and 3014d assume convoluted unstable shapes which resist the movement of cartridges 4000b and 4000d.
  • cartridges 4000b and 4000d continue to move rightwardly, and spring 3014b assumes a convoluted unstable shape which facilitates further rightward movement of cartridge 4000b, while spring 3014d continues to resist rightward movement of cartridge 4000d.
  • Force F is then removed and springs 3014b and 3014d return cartridges 4000b and 4000d to their original positions as depicted in FIG. 37A .
  • bit 106 When bit 106 is no longer needed or another bit is desired, bit 106 may be restored to its cartridge 4000b.
  • cartridge 4000b is first re-positioned as shown in FIG. 37D following steps described above with respect to FIGS. 37A-37D .
  • Bit 106 is then released from barrel 320 and allowed to fall back down into cavity 4002b of cartridge 4000b, as described above with respect to FIG. 15 and cavity 402 of a respective cartridge 308.
  • Cartridge 4000b is then moved back to its original position ( FIG. 38D ) as described above with respect to 38A-38B.
  • bit to be removed or replaced is deployed to the "drive" position at the end of shaft 104 ( FIG. 30 ) as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 37A-37D and 9A-14B .
  • Cartridge 4000b is then positioned in a "storage" (outer perimeter) position ( FIG. 38D ), so that center channel 3010 is open.
  • Screwdriver 3000 is then vertically oriented so that shaft 104 and bit 106 point upwardly.
  • Bit 106 is then released by retracting the locking mechanism as described above with respect to FIG.
  • FIGURES 39 and 40 depict a further alternate embodiment of the invention, exemplified as a screwdriver 3900, similar in function to the embodiment of FIGS. 16-18 , but, most significantly, for using springs 3014, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 29-38D , to achieve what magnets had previously been used to achieve.
  • screwdriver 3900 includes a ratchet 1710, a shaft 1704, and a driver 1706 which are substantially similar to the elements of the same respective number in FIGS. 16-18 .
  • screwdriver 3900 includes a novel handle 3902 having cartridges 3904 which are substantially similar to cartridges 4000, but for being oriented within the screwdriver 180° from cartridges 4000. While two rows of cartridges are depicted, any number of rows ( e . g ., one, three) of cartridges may be configured.
  • the portion 1714 of the screwdriver 3900 above the cartridges 3904 is configurable in any suitable manner as a conventional screwdriver, and therefore will not be discussed in further detail herein.
  • screwdriver 3900 of FIGS. 39-40 is similar to operation of screwdriver 1700 of FIGS. 16-18 .
  • the only significant operational difference is internally, wherein springs 3014, rather than magnets, are used as described above with respect to FIGS. 37A-38D .
  • the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, someone could use similar cartridge configuration but bias them with elastic or other spring material.
  • the function performed by the tongues 2126 and grooves 2120 for the outer cover 2112 and receiver 92 may be performed by other means, such as ball and detent.
  • second grooves similar to grooves 2120 could be formed in receiver 92 for receiving tongues 2126 in the closed position of outer cover 2112.
  • the function performed by magnets 314, 316, 406, 408, and 410 for biasing cartridges 308 as described above could be performed by springs

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant :
    une ou plusieurs cartouches (4000), chaque cartouche (4000) définissant une cavité respective (4002) d'une ou plusieurs cavités (4002) pour recevoir un élément de stockage respectif (106) d'un ou plusieurs éléments de stockage (106), la ou les cartouches (4000) définissant en outre une fente ;
    un récepteur (3092) définissant deux ou plus de deux cellules (306) s'étendant radialement pour recevoir la ou les cartouches (4000), et définissant un passage (4010) s'étendant longitudinalement le long du centre du récepteur (3092) jusqu'à une ouverture (3009) définie dans une surface externe du récepteur (3092) ;
    deux ou plus de deux butées (3012), chacune de la ou des butées (3012) étant interposée sur le récepteur (3092) entre deux cellules adjacentes (306) de la ou des cellules s'étendant radialement (306) ; et
    un ou plusieurs ressorts (3014), chacun du ou des ressorts (3014) s'étendant à travers une fente d'une cartouche (4000) respective de la ou des cartouches (4000) et étant positionné et retenu entre deux butées adjacentes (3012) des deux ou plus de deux butées (3012), chaque ressort du ou des ressorts (3014) étant dimensionné pour s'incliner entre les deux butées (3012) et solliciter chacune des cartouches (4000) dans une première position dans la ou les cellules (306) la cavité (4002) n'étant pas alignée avec le passage (4010), ou dans une seconde position dans la ou les cellules (306) la cavité (4002) étant alignée avec le passage (4010).
  2. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon la revendication 1 chaque ressort (3014) étant fabriqué à partir d'une feuille de polyéthylène téréphtalate orienté biaxialement.
  3. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon la revendication 1 ou selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre des guides (3016) positionnés sur le récepteur (3092) pour guider le mouvement de chacune de la ou des cartouches (4000).
  4. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente, la ou les cartouches (4000) comprenant une première cartouche (4000) et au moins trois secondes cartouches (4000), lorsque la première cartouche (4000) est placée dans la seconde position, les au moins trois secondes cartouches (4000) sollicitant la première cartouche (4000) pour qu'elle reste dans la seconde position.
  5. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel il y a plusieurs rangées de cellules (306).
  6. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts.
  7. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant au moins l'un des éléments suivants : fusain d'artiste, crayons d'artiste, crayons de couleur pour enfants, embouts à mèche, tarauds coupe-fil, bobines pour la couture, épices, goujons, embouts de tournevis et plombs de pêche.
  8. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts, et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir d'une cavité de cartouche (4002) un embout sélectionné (106) parmi le ou les embouts (106) ;
    un passage (4010) défini à l'intérieur de l'arbre tubulaire (104) pour faciliter le déplacement de l'embout sélectionné (106) depuis l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) jusqu'à une extrémité de l'arbre (104) opposée à l'ouverture (3009) ; et
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de l'arbre tubulaire (104) opposée à l'ouverture (3009) à une extrémité de l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  9. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts, chacun du ou des embouts ayant une partie tête (204) et une partie base (202), la partie base (202) définissant une pluralité de côtés, et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir à partir d'une de la ou des cavités (4002) un embout (106) sélectionné parmi le ou les embouts (106), l'arbre tubulaire (104) définissant une partie intérieure ayant une pluralité de zones de réception correspondant en nombre à la pluralité de côtés de la partie de base (202) du ou des embouts (106) ; et
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à une extrémité de l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  10. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts ayant une partie tête (204) et une partie base (202), la partie base (202) définissant une pluralité de côtés, et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir à partir de la ou des cavités (4002) un embout sélectionné (106) parmi le ou les embouts (106), l'arbre tubulaire (104) définissant une partie intérieure ayant une pluralité de zones de réception correspondant en nombre à la pluralité de côtés de la partie de base (202) du ou des embouts (106), la partie intérieure ayant une extrémité d'entrée proche de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090), et une extrémité de sortie opposée à l'extrémité d'entrée, et les zones de réception étant plus petites à l'extrémité d'entrée qu'à l'extrémité de sortie, et se conformant à la forme de la partie de base de l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie ; et
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie de l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  11. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts (106), parmi le ou les embouts (106) ayant une partie tête (204) et une partie base (202), la partie base (202) définissant une pluralité de côtés concaves, et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir à partir d'une de la ou des cavités (4002) un embout sélectionné (106) parmi le ou les embouts (106), l'arbre tubulaire (104) définissant une partie intérieure ayant une pluralité de zones de réception correspondant en nombre à la pluralité de côtés de la partie de base (202) du ou des embouts (106), la partie intérieure ayant une extrémité d'entrée proche de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090), et une extrémité de sortie opposée à l'extrémité d'entrée, et les zones de réception étant plus petites à l'extrémité d'entrée qu'à l'extrémité de sortie, et se conformant à la forme de la partie de base (202) de l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie ; et
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie de l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  12. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts (106), parmi le ou les embouts ayant une partie tête (204) et une partie base (202), la partie base (202) définissant une pluralité de côtés concaves, les côtés étant coniquement inclinés vers la partie tête (204), et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir à partir de la ou des cavités (4002) un embout sélectionné (106) parmi le ou les embouts (106), l'arbre tubulaire (104) définissant une partie intérieure ayant une pluralité de zones de réception correspondant en nombre à la pluralité de côtés de la partie de base (202) du ou des embouts (106), la partie intérieure ayant une extrémité d'entrée proche de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090), et une extrémité de sortie opposée à l'extrémité d'entrée, et les zones de réception étant plus petites à l'extrémité d'entrée qu'à l'extrémité de sortie, et se conformant à la forme de la partie de base (202) de l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie ; et
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de sortie de l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  13. Dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, le ou les éléments de stockage (106) comprenant un ou plusieurs embouts (106), et le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) comprenant en outre :
    un arbre tubulaire (104) s'étendant à partir de l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) pour recevoir à partir de la ou des cavités (4002) un embout sélectionné (106) parmi l'embout ou les embouts (106) ;
    un passage (4010) défini à l'intérieur de l'arbre tubulaire (104) pour faciliter le déplacement de l'embout sélectionné (106) depuis l'ouverture (3009) dans le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) jusqu'à une extrémité de l'arbre (104) opposée à l'ouverture (3009) ;
    un mécanisme de verrouillage pour fixer l'embout sélectionné (106) à l'extrémité de l'arbre tubulaire (104) opposée à l'ouverture (3009) à une extrémité de l'arbre tubulaire (104) ; et
    un cliquet intégré au dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) entre le récepteur (3092) et l'arbre tubulaire (104) pour commander le sens de rotation dans lequel le couple est transféré entre le récepteur (3092) et l'arbre tubulaire (104).
  14. Tournevis à embouts multiples comprenant le dispositif de stockage (3000, 3090) selon n'importe quelle revendication précédente.
EP19863624.3A 2018-09-18 2019-08-13 Dispositif de stockage avec des cellules pour stocker des embouts Active EP3852979B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/134,808 US11148276B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2018-09-18 Multi-bit screwdriver
PCT/US2019/046414 WO2020060697A1 (fr) 2018-09-18 2019-08-13 Dispositif de stockage avec des cellules pour stocker des embouts

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3852979A1 EP3852979A1 (fr) 2021-07-28
EP3852979A4 EP3852979A4 (fr) 2021-11-17
EP3852979C0 EP3852979C0 (fr) 2023-06-28
EP3852979B1 true EP3852979B1 (fr) 2023-06-28

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19863624.3A Active EP3852979B1 (fr) 2018-09-18 2019-08-13 Dispositif de stockage avec des cellules pour stocker des embouts

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Country Link
EP (1) EP3852979B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020060697A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT202100031742A1 (it) 2021-12-20 2023-06-20 Eberhard Mitterrutzner Dispositivo per custodire almeno un inserto per utensile e supporto per un inserto per utensile

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2061648C (fr) * 1992-02-21 1994-12-13 Albert Koehler Tournevis
DE9411520U1 (de) * 1994-07-15 1995-11-16 wolfcraft GmbH, 56745 Weibern Bit-Schrauber
GB2340059A (en) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-16 Stanley Works Ltd Tool bit magazine
CA2274503A1 (fr) * 1999-06-07 2000-12-07 David Shimansky Tournevis double multi-embouts
US6601483B2 (en) * 2001-04-19 2003-08-05 Futureworks Concepts Ltd. Automatic bit changing screwdriver
US7021181B1 (en) * 2005-02-01 2006-04-04 Chi Li-Lien Screwdriver having rotatable magazine
US7028593B1 (en) * 2005-07-06 2006-04-18 A. A. G. Industrial Co. Ltd Screwdriver with revolving cylinder containing replaceable screwdriver tips
US7258046B2 (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-08-21 Winsire Enterprises Corporation Screwdriver bit cartridge retainer
US8813614B2 (en) * 2010-01-12 2014-08-26 Crewe-Tech Pty Ltd Multi-bit tool
US10076835B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2018-09-18 Wheelfloat, Inc. Storage device
CN205765859U (zh) * 2016-05-27 2016-12-07 宁波瑞祥塑料制品有限公司 一种组装拆卸方便的多功能螺丝刀

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3852979A1 (fr) 2021-07-28
EP3852979C0 (fr) 2023-06-28
EP3852979A4 (fr) 2021-11-17
WO2020060697A1 (fr) 2020-03-26

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