GB2545505A - Pommel Driver - Google Patents

Abstract

A screwing device having a handle 10, an elongate shaft 9, a rotatable section 4 with a hinged lever 7, and a tool head 2 with drive bit 1. The hand grip, shaft, rotatable section, and tool head are all connected using socket and stud connectors with spring catches 3, 8. The lever is preferably connected to a collar 5 via a hinge 12, which is slidable on the rotation portion. The lever can be arranged substantially parallel to the shaft when not in use, and displaced to be perpendicular to the shaft when in use. The lever is used to apply a turning force about the axis to the tool head to assist with screwing or unscrewing fixings. The lever may have a sheath handle 13. There is preferably a ratchet mechanism. The screwdriver is preferably able to be dismantled into parts. The tool bit may be interchangeable with a plurality of different tool heads or bit types.

Description

A SCREWING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a screwing device, in particular a screwing device for manually screwing in fixings or the like; more particularly but not exclusively a screwing device for increasing radial as well as axial force applied during screwing or unscrewing of such fixings.

Background

It is often a requirement when connecting parts to use a screwthreaded fixing or part with a thread for such a purpose.

Tools such as a screwdriver provide a bit that engages with a screw head and a means of providing rotation force to the fixing so that it can be screwed in. When using a manual screwdriver a user may be limited in some situations by their strength.

For example if they do not have sufficient strength to drive a screw into a particular material. In such instances the user may have to seek help from another, stronger person, or will have to find an alternative option such as to use an electric screwdriver.

In particular, turning or radial force is required to be applied to the fixing, but additionally in order to maintain the bit on the fixing axial force must be maintained to keep the tool tight against the fixing, to prevent the tool escaping the fixing when turned.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted United States patent US 6 427 560 (SHEA) discloses a screwdriver device comprising: a handle having a longitudinal channel and a positioning notch wherein the positioning notch is adjacent to said longitudinal channel; a spring having an upper portion and disposed in said longitudinal channel; an insertion rod having a side on which a grip is transversely mounted, said insertion rod having a front end movably connected to the upper portion of said spring and being positioned in said longitudinal channel, and said grip being selectively engaged or released from said positioning notch; a shank having a top end, a middle part, and lower part, the top end of the shank being rotatably mounted within the handle; a gear provided at the middle part on said shank; an operating lever extending from an upper plate and a lower plate formed therewith; a claw member provided at a suitable position formed between said upper plate and said lower plate which are superposed, said claw member having two pointed corners at a front end thereof which are switchable to the left or right to be respectively engaged into a groove of said gear and which, in use, move the shank to rotation; and a rotary member provided at a suitable position on the handle and fixed with the shank for facilitating a user's hand to directly rotate the shank.

United States patent application US 6 095 018 (SCHUSTER) discloses a manually rotated hand tool employed to drive threaded style rotary fasteners, comprising: a shaft having an engaging distal end to couple with said fasteners, an opposite end retained in a gripable handle that provides said shaft with increased rotational torque, said handle having a continuous rotating means, wherein the handle further includes a storage pocket positioned along its longitudinal axis and end, having adequate dimensions to store an operating crank, said crank having one end pivotably mounted within the end of said pocket, said mounting located so the crank can be rotated from a non-working position within the pocket, to a detented working position where a operating knob of the crank is at a given distance from said axis, such that the hand tool can be operated in either a conventional or continuous fashion when driving a fastener.

Granted Japanese patent JP 2 012 705 (MIYAMOTO) discloses a ratchet screwdriver, comprising: a bit attaching section; an operating section body which is connected to said bit attaching section through a ratchet mechanism and capable of turning the bit attaching section around the axis of the bit only in one direction, said operating section body having a contact surface; a handle section which is movably connected to said operating section body on the turning axis, said handle section having a contact surface; locking means connecting said operating section body to said handle section, for locking the handle section to the operating section body under a normal state so as to turn the two sections together, the two sections being freely turnable in relation to each other keeping their connected state when said locking means is disengaged; and an auxiliary handle which disengages the locking means, by being inserted from a side of the operating section body thereinto, wherein: said locking means comprises an operating pin which is disposed on a turning axis with its one end held in the handle section so as to be axially stationary while its other end is held in the operating section body so as to be axially movable, urging means which gives impetus to the handle section so as to contact the operating section body, and engaging means which engages the handle section with the operating section body on their contact surfaces so as not to be rotatable in relation to each other when they are in contact with each other by said urging means; said handle section moving said operating pin against the impetus of the urging means when an auxiliary handle is inserted into said operating section body, and said handle section being disengaged from the operating section body according to movement of the operating pin; and said auxiliary handle is inserted into an auxiliary handle receiving hole provided laterally on the operating section body so as to push a top end of the operating pin projecting into the auxiliary handle receiving hole and move the operating pin against the impetus of the urging means.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a screwing device comprising in use: an elongate shaft; having a hand interface section at a proximal end and interface with a rotation portion at a distal end; the rotation portion arranged so as to contain a shaft interface region at a proximal end and interface with a tool head at a distal end; wherein the hand interface section, rotation portion and tool head are arranged coaxially along an axis and the rotation portion includes a lever hinged to extend from the axis and arranged to be capable of applying a turning force about the axis to the tool head.

In preferred embodiments said section, portion and head are connected coaxially in use by means of socket and stud connectors, wherein female sockets comprise displaceably sprung catches which male studs displace so as to make a connection, which connection demands axially applied separation force.

Typically the tool head comprises a bit holder, wherein a plurality of different bits may be utilised with the device. In other embodiments the tool head may comprise a fixed tool or bit.

In preferred embodiments the head comprises a bit holder that comprises a hexagonal head bit holder, as known in the art for power or reciprocating drills, in order that standard or known drilling or screwing or fastening bits may be utilised with the device.

Ideally the portion comprises a rotatable barrel body and two distal end sockets into which the shaft and bit holder connect at either end. Said body ideally is arranged to rotate independently with respect to one or both of the sockets.

In preferred embodiments the body comprises a ratchet mechanism with respect to rotation of its ends or sockets, wherein either or both of: the head, and bit; and shaft and hand interface section, are capable of controlled axial rotation.

In preferred embodiments said section is capable of rotation with respect to the shaft; wherein the section is ideally capable of free rotation on the shaft; so as to act as swivelling pressure point to apply axial pressure to the shaft. In some embodiments the section comprises an end or pommel. In other embodiments the section comprises a handle, or rotating hand-grip.

In typical embodiments therefore there is provided a manual screwdriver comprising: a shaft, a distal head, a proximal handle and shaft and rotating portion with a displaceable lever to aid with rotation of the bit holder.

In use the lever can be arranged substantially parallel to the shaft when not in use and displaced to be perpendicular to the shaft, or any angle in between, in order to be able to serve to provide improved turning force or torque to the head.

The head may be tubular having an aperture or socket at each end or may have a male stud proximate and hexagonal socket distally. In this way the head is able to receive or indeed act as a bit holder and/or hold screwdriver bits at a distal end.

Typically the distal socket is square so as to receive a bit holder capable of receiving standard screwdriver bits. For example the holder may be accepted into the distal socket and the holder may include a female hexagonal bit holder suitable for receiving standard hexagonal screwdriver bits. Advantageously in such embodiments the bit holder may be readily detached and changed so as to accommodate any type of screwdriver bit.

Ideally the socket may also be square in order to accept a shaft with a square cross section. Shafts may be interchangeable so that shafts of different lengths may be used depending upon where and for what the screwdriver is required.

In preferred embodiments the head may comprise a double ended socket capable of receiving displaceable parts at each end. For example the socket may include sprung ball connectors arranged inside the socket openings so as to allow different heads, bit holders or shafts to be removably connected.

In preferred embodiments the portion includes the displaceable lever whereas in other embodiments the head includes the lever. Typically however the lever enables a user to apply increased torque to the portion and the torque is transferred to the head. Advantageously this may be useful for people with lesser strength, for example people with weak wrists.

Typically the lever is displaceably attached to the portion so as to be moved from a stowed position where the lever is parallel to the shaft to an in use position wherein the lever is substantially perpendicular to the shaft.

Ideally therefore the lever is hingeably attached to the portion so as to be displaced from parallel to perpendicular. Advantageously the hinge is limited so as to prevent displacement of the lever beyond a certain point, for example so as to hold the lever at 90 degrees to the shaft. In this way the lever both enables greater leverage when rotating the head and associated bit and allows such leverage to be applied from a variety of orientations, to accommodate different locations.

In preferred embodiments the lever displaces to and from the portion in a fixed location with respect to the shaft. In some further embodiments the portion may be moved along the shaft, for example wherein the portion is mounted slidably on the shaft, for example as a collar.

In some embodiments the lever is extendable or telescopic in order to allow application of greater leverage.

In preferred embodiments the portion and/or ratchet mechanism so allow positioning of the lever about the head and/or shaft in order to enable the device to be used where space is restricted and to allow the lever to be positioned at a preferred orientation for the user during use.

Ideally the ratchet mechanism may include a gear and a ratchet. Preferably the head has a substantially round cross section so as to allow the gear to be arranged around an outer surface of the head with the ratchet arranged about the gear.

Accordingly only one direction of rotation will cause movement of the head and associated parts, whilst counter-rotation does not cause rotation but instead allows repositioning of the lever by allowing the ratchet to turn without locking with the gear.

Advantageously the ratchet enables the lever to be operated in a limited arc, for example within 180 degrees or 45 degrees. Therefore the lever may be used to assist with rotating the device in areas with restricted or limited access.

In some embodiments the lever may be provided by a ratchet arm. Typically the ratchet arm may combine the ratchet which can be positioned over the gear and an arm which serves as the lever.

In some embodiments the lever and/or handle may include a textured surface to aid with grip. For example the lever surface may be knurled or include a resiliently deformable cover, or resiliently deformable portions to enhance grip.

In preferred embodiments the handle is arranged at the proximal end of the shaft. Typically the handle has a larger cross section than the shaft. Ideally the handle is formed from a lightweight, strong, durable material such as synthetic plastic.

In preferred embodiments the handle includes the hand interface section at the proximal end in order that the user is enabled to exert force along the axis. Typically the section comprises an end cap mounted to endless rotate on a swivel that allows the handle to rotate with the shaft according to the portion or head, while the section remains static.

In other embodiments the section comprises all or most of the handle, wherein the section/handle is freely rotatable with respect to the shaft or more particularly the rotating portion and/or the head.

Preferably the section has an arcuate surface and/or padded surface so as to avoid discomfort to the user’s hand when the user is applying pressure to the section. For example the section may be a hemispherical dome.

In some embodiments the section may comprise a knob or T-bar that the user can grasp their hand around in order to more securely hold the screwdriver in position during use.

The section may include a ratchet mechanism or other means of limiting or controlling rotation.

In use the bit is inserted into a screw-head and downward pressure is exerted on the section by a hand, typically a palm of the hand. This force keeps the screwdriver bit in the screw-head and prevents it from coming out during use. The lever can then be used to provide torque to the screw-head in order to turn the screw-head causing for example the screw to be screwed in.

Advantageously by applying coaxial pressure via the end cap the likelihood of displacement of the screwdriver bit from the screw-head is reduced.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sketch of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the device comprises a tool head 2, a drive bit 1, the tool head having an interface 3 with a rotation portion 4, the rotation portion having a collar 5 thereon, sildable with respect to the portion, and comprising a hinge 12, from which is hinged the lever 7. The lever includes a synthetic plastics sheath 13 to aid comfort in application of force by the user.

The collar has a ratchet mechanism therein (not shown) which interacts with sides 6 of the rotation portion to prevent rotation of the collar, as required.

The rotation portion has sockets at either end and the shaft 9 has an interface 8 with the rotating portion’s socket.

The shaft includes a handle 10, which handle includes a relatively small hand interface section 11 capable of free rotation with respect to the handle 10.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims (13)

Claims

1. A screwing device comprising in use: an elongate shaft; having a hand interface section at a proximal end and interface with a rotation portion at a distal end; the rotation portion arranged so as to contain a shaft interface region at a proximal end and interface with a tool head at a distal end; wherein the hand interface section, rotation portion and tool head are arranged coaxially along an axis and the rotation portion includes a lever hinged to extend from the axis and arranged to be capable of applying a turning force about the axis to the tool head

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said section, portion and head are connected coaxially in use.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the head comprises a bit holder that comprises a hexagonal head bit holder.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the portion comprises a rotatable barrel body and two distal end sockets into which the shaft and head connect at either end.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the body is arranged to rotate independently with respect to one or both of the sockets.

6. A device according to any preceding claim by means of socket and stud connectors and female sockets comprise displaceably sprung catches which male studs displace so as to make a connection, which connection demands axially applied separation force.

7. A device according to any preceding claim including a ratchet mechanism with respect to rotation of the portion, wherein either or both of: the head; and shaft and hand interface section; are capable of control of axial rotation.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the lever is hinged from a collar, which collar is slidable with respect to the rotation portion.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the hand interface section is freely rotatable with respect to the shaft at all times.

10. A device according to any of preceding claims 1 to 8 wherein the hand interface section is capable of controlled rotation with respect to the shaft.

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims capable of dismantling into parts.

12. A rotating portion for use with a device according to any of the preceding claims.

13. A hand interface section for use with a device according to any of the preceding claims.