GB2248794A - Screwdriver with bulb - Google Patents

Abstract

A screwdriver has a bulb 1 which is mounted in such a way as to illuminate any work being carried out in dim light conditions. Power cells for the bulb are mounted inside the handle. The bulb is operated by a switch 3 on the handle, either mounted forward for comfort, or on the butt to avoid any accidental switching. A reflector may be incorporated into the bulb mounting area of the handle. The bulb may also be mounted near the tip of the blade (Fig. 7). <IMAGE>

Description

SCREWDRIVER WITH ENHANCED USE This invention relates to a screwdriver which has an integral light/power source which illuminates the screw being driven.

My invention relates to a specific need which would be best illustrated by describing three situations where it would be of use.

(1). Many car mechanics or enthusiasts have to work in dull light conditions, especially during the winter months. Often they may not have access to a mains power supply and therefore need an alternative light source. My idea would allow the user a flexible light source, which by being an integral light source, shining along the shaft, would automatically focus on the immediate work area. A secondary advantage would be that it eliminates the need to hold a torch in your other hand (or trying to balance one) and therefore gives you a free hand. This would be especially important if the user was on his/her own whilst engaged in this activity.

(2). The second need would be within the domestic environment.

Any situation in or around the home may require a screwdriver in dull or dark conditions, eg. if a fuse blows, and the house is in darkness, a job in the loft, under the sink, or in the shed. All situations which could benefit from my idea.

(3). The third area of need would be the emergency breakdown of a vehicle. The use of an integral light sourced screwdriver could help a great deal under the bonnet, which in such circumstances is usually dully lit.

My idea is that of a screwdriver which has within its structure an integral power source (probably a button power cell or rechargeable cell) which powers a bulb so illuminating the tip of the shaft of the screwdriver. Therefore, the design could be thought of in three main sections: (1). The blade/shaft of the screwdriver.

(2). The handle of the screwdriver.

(3). The simple circuit which switches on a bulb directed along the shaft.

The blade is centrally mounted. The blade of the screwdriver could have the following variations: (1). Fixed into moulded plastic handle or machined metal handle, permanently; (2). the blade is detachable using simple slotted friction fit; (3). the tips of the blade are detachable and are locked in by using either a collet design or a magnetic retaining force with a shaped housing stopping movement under torsional forces.

My idea for the handle is two fold, either: (1). A moulded plastic unit with recess for the electrics, or (2). A machined chrome vanadium handle with textured grip giving an almost medical quality instrument feel.

Both handles would house the simple eletrical circuit containing power cell(s) and bulb(s).

The switch operating the bulb would be ergonomically placed to allow ease of access on the handle. It would be of an SPST variety. The switch could operate in the following variations.

(1). The user depresses the button constantly for the duration of use.

(2). The switch/button is pressed on, and has to be depressed again to switch off the bulb.

(3). The switch could be electronic and not mechanical, employing the switching capabilities of a thyristor.

The bulb (or bulbs) are housed on the handle facing towards the tip of the screwdriver blade. A variation of this could be to house the bulb near the tip of the blade.

A specific enbodiment of the invention could be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 - Shows in perspective the screwdriver with the blade centrally mounted into a moulded plastic handle, also making clear the nature of the switch arrangement in forward mounted position.

Figure 2 - Illustrates a centrally mounted blade into machined metal handle with textured example drawn next to it.

Figure 3 - Shows friction/slot fit of blade.

Figure 4 - Shows a close up of bulb/handle in perspective.

Figure 5 - Illustrates a centrally mounted blade set into a plastic handle. Switch clearly shown.

Figure 6 - Shows blade detached from handle.

Figure 7 - Shows bulb near tip configuration.

Referring to the drawings, the bulb 1 is mounted onto a handle, so illuminating the shaft and the work. Figure 1 clearly shows this feature with the bulb being flush to the surface of the handle.

An alternative arrangement for the bulb is shown on figure 2 with the bulb 1 protruding from the surface. Handle 6 can be seen to have been made from a highly polished metal. Panel 8 illustrates a possible texture for the handle. Switch 3 is not shown, but it could be either mounted forward in a small depression or in the rear surface on the handle. A possible feature of the design could be a detachable blade 9, but it is not the key idea.

The handle, as well as providing a location for the blade and mounting for the bulb could provide a reflective focus for the light produced by the bulb.

An alternative mounting arrangement for the bulb is shown in figure 7.

The tip of the blade is removable in this case, held by magnetism or through mechanical means, eg. a collet arrangement. In this case the connections for the bulb would have to travel along the blade from the handle to illuminate the bulb.

Claims (8)

1. A screwdriver with an integral light/power source. This light source to be aimed down the blade. Light source to be switched on/off from handle.

2. A screwdriver with integral light source as claimed in claim 1 with bulb mounted flush to handle.

3. A screwdriver with integral light source as in claim 1 with a protruding bulb from handle mounting.

4. Switch to operate light source as in claim 1, to be mounted on handle in forward position.

5. Switch to operate light source as in claim 1, to be mounted on rear surface of handle (butt).

6. Light source for screwdriver, claim 1, enhanced by inclusion of reflector into top of handle to focus light on work in hand.

7. Power cells to be housed for claim 1 in handle.

8. An enhanced screwdriver substantially as described herein with reference to figures .1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.