Drive tool with engaging bit reservoir

By designing vertically stored cavity in the drive tool handle and setting radial channels or through holes in the sleeve, the problems of cutting head storage difficulties and insufficient leverage in the prior art are solved, and more efficient cutting head fixation and Fastener drive.

CN119260676APending Publication Date: 2025-01-07MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410894663.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-24
Filing Date
2024-07-04
Publication Date
2025-01-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The cutting head storage design of existing drive tools has problems with difficult touch, mismatch in the size of the cutting head leads to slip or rebound, and lack of sufficient leverage when driving the fasteners.

Method used

A driving tool is designed in which a plurality of separate cavity forms in the handle to store the cutter head vertically and allows the shaft to drive the fastener in a T-bar manner by providing a radial channel or through hole in the sleeve, providing Greater leverage.

Benefits of technology

It enables easier access and fixation of different sizes of cutting heads, avoids sliding and rebound, and provides greater leverage when driving fasteners, improving ease of use and efficiency.

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Abstract

Various embodiments of a drive tool are provided. The drive tool includes a reservoir for holding an engagement bit in a handle of the drive tool. In one embodiment, a drive tool includes a handle, a shaft, and an engagement bit. The handle has a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis. A cavity is formed in the handle and the cavity is configured to removably secure the engagement bit within the cavity. The cavity is centered on and extends along a cavity axis. The cavity axis is angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis such that the cavity axis intersects the longitudinal axis.
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Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 520,204 filed on August 17, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 526,402 filed on July 12, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,481 filed on July 7, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tools. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a drive tool (eg, a nut driver, a screwdriver, etc.) that includes a storage portion in a handle of the drive tool for engaging a tool bit (eg, a drive socket, a screwdriver bit, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a drive tool. The drive tool extends along a longitudinal axis. The drive tool includes a handle, a shaft, and an engaging tool head. The handle has a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis. The shaft is connected to the first end of the handle. A cavity is formed in the handle, which is located at a position between the first end and the second end. The cavity is centered on the cavity axis and extends along the cavity axis. The cavity axis is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis so that the cavity axis intersects the longitudinal axis. The engaging tool head is removably fixed in the cavity.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a drive tool having a handle, a shaft, a first cutter head, and a second cutter head. The handle extends along a longitudinal axis. The handle has a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis. The shaft is coupled to the first end of the handle. Both the first cutter head and the second cutter head are configured to engage the mounting end of the shaft. The drive tool includes: a first cavity configured to receive and retain the first cutter head; and a second cavity configured to receive and retain the second cutter head. A solid area is formed in the handle, which extends without an opening between the first cavity and the second cavity in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a drive tool, which includes a sleeve and a shaft. The sleeve is centered on a longitudinal axis and extends along the longitudinal axis. The sleeve includes: a first end; a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis; and an outer sidewall extending along the sleeve between the first end and the second end. A first channel is formed in the sleeve, extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal axis. A second channel is formed in the sleeve, the second channel is located at a position between the first end and the second end, so that the second channel intersects the first channel. The second channel defines an opening along the outer sidewall. The shaft includes a mounting end, which is configured to be received and retained in the second channel. When the shaft is received in the second channel, the shaft can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to drive the fastener into the workpiece.

[0007] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and some of these additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description are used to explain the principles and operations of various different embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments are directed to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a side plan view of a drive tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A side perspective view of a driving tool;

[0012] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A detailed view of the shaft of the driving tool;

[0013] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A side plan view of a drive tool having a shaft mounted on the side of the drive tool;

[0014] Figure 5According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 a side plan view of a drive tool with the engagement bit removed from the storage cavity;

[0015] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 a side plan view of the handle of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the engagement bit is removed from the storage cavity;

[0016] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 a side plan view of a drive tool with the engagement bit engaged in the storage cavity;

[0017] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A detailed view of an engagement tool head of a drive tool;

[0018] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 a side plan view of a drive tool with the shaft engaged in the shaft receiving portion;

[0019] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a joint tool head having radial channels according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.10 A side plan view of a joining cutter head;

[0021] Fig.12 is a bonding according to an exemplary embodiment Fig.10 A perspective view of a shaft engaging a radial passage of a cutter head; and

[0022] Fig.13 is a side plan view of a joint tool tip having a through hole according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Overall reference Figures 1 to 8 , showing various different embodiments of a drive tool having a handle storage portion for a plurality of engaging bits. Applicants believe that the drive tools discussed herein provide various advantages over typical drive tools having a handle storage portion (e.g., designs where the bits are stored axially through the end of the handle or enclosed in the handle body).

[0024] Specifically, the drive tools discussed herein have a plurality of individual cavities formed in the handle. In certain embodiments, the cavities are oriented such that the axis of each cavity is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. It is believed that the vertical storage portion makes it easier to access the cutter bits because it allows the user to access a specific cutter bit without having to remove the shaft, a portion of the handle, and / or take out other cutter bits to get to the specific cutter bit. Further, compared to the axial storage arrangement, the size of the individual cutter bit cavity design discussed herein is specifically determined for each cutter bit stored, thereby not allowing the cutter bit to slide or rebound around the shaft or in the handle.

[0025] In other embodiments, a variety of different embodiments of an engagement tool head configured to receive a shaft are provided. Specifically, the engagement tool head is a sleeve that includes a radial passage or through hole positioned between the ends of the sleeve. It is believed that the centrally positioned passage or through hole provides a user with a convenient method for allowing the shaft of the driving tool to be used as a T-bar to drive a fastener. It has been found that the passage or through hole provides greater leverage when driving a fastener.

[0026] Overall reference Figures 1 to 9 , a drive tool 100 (e.g., a nut driver, a screwdriver, etc.) is shown and described. The drive tool 100 includes a handle 102 and a shaft 104. The drive tool 100 further includes a plurality of storage cavities (e.g., through holes) along the handle 102 for storing a plurality of engagement bits (shown as nut drive sockets 108), the plurality of storage cavities being shown as a first cavity 105, a second cavity 106, and a third cavity 107. In other embodiments, the handle 102 is configured to store other types of engagement bits (e.g., screwdriver bits, drill bits, etc.). In the particular embodiment shown, the drive tool 100 is a nut driver, and the socket 108 is a reversible socket (the socket engagement surfaces at opposite ends of the socket are different in size).

[0027] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the drive tool 100 extends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis 110. The handle 102 has a first end 112 and a second end 114. The second end 114 is positioned opposite the first end 112 along the longitudinal axis 110. The shaft 104 is configured to be removably coupled to the first end 112. When coupled to the first end 112 of the handle 102, the shaft 104 extends away from the first end 112 and the second end 114 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 110. The shaft 104 has a first end or mounting end 116 configured to receive the sleeve 108. The second end 118 of the shaft 104 is positioned opposite the mounting end 116. The second end 118 is configured to be coupled to the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 118 is removably coupled to the first end 112 of the handle 102. In other embodiments, the second end 118 of the shaft 104 may be fixedly coupled to the handle 102, or the shaft 104 may be formed as a single integral body with the handle 102.

[0028] refer to Figure 3 , showing the shaft 104 in more detail. The mounting end 116 of the shaft 104 is shaped to receive and retain the sleeve 108. As shown, the shaft 104 includes a flange 120 located near the mounting end 116. The flange 120 is configured to prevent the sleeve 108 from sliding or moving along the shaft 104. The flange 120 is spaced apart from the mounting end 116 to allow the sleeve 108 to be inserted into the mounting end 116 and slide into fixed engagement on the mounting end. The flange 120 is formed by a single material that is adjacent to and continuous with the shaft 104 and extends radially outward from the shaft 104. As shown, the mounting end 116 is a hexagonal shape, but the mounting end 116 can be any shape (such as, square, rectangular, etc.) for engaging the sleeve 108. In addition, the mounting end 116 can include a protrusion or an elongated end for inserting into the sleeve 108, or can include an opening or recess for receiving the sleeve 108 in the mounting end 116.

[0029] refer to Figure 4 In various embodiments, the handle 102 includes a shaft storage cavity or channel 122. The channel 122 is formed in the handle 102 and extends along at least a portion of the handle 102. The channel 122 is centered on and extends along a channel axis 121. The channel axis 121 is spaced a distance from the longitudinal axis 110. In a specific embodiment, the channel axis 121 is oriented to be offset relative to the longitudinal axis or cavity axis 123 of the cavities 105, 106, and 107, such that the channel axis 121 does not intersect the cavity axis 123 and the channel axis 121 is not parallel to the cavity axis 123.

[0030] The channel 122 is configured to receive and retain the shaft 104 to store the shaft 104 along the handle 102. As shown, the shaft 104 has been disengaged from the first end 112 and installed in the channel 122. In a specific embodiment, the channel 122 is oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 110. In such an embodiment, the shaft 104 is parallel to the handle 102 and is stored offset from the longitudinal axis 110 along the side of the handle 102.

[0031] refer to Figures 5 to 7 , cavities 105, 106, and 107 are shown formed in the handle 102. Specifically, the cavities 105-107 are formed in the handle 102 at locations between the first end 112 and the second end 114. Each cavity 105, 106, and 107 is separate and distinct from one another, meaning that a solid area is formed within the handle 102 that extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis 110 between each cavity 105-107 without an opening.

[0032] The cavities 105-107 extend across the width of the handle 102. The cavities 105-107 include two open ends that can allow access to the sleeve 108 from either side of the handle 102 when the sleeve 108 is retained within the cavities 105-107. The cavity 105 includes a first open end or first opening 140 and a second open end or second opening 141 opposite the first opening 140 along the cavity axis 123. The cavity 106 includes a first open end or first opening 142 and a second open end or second opening 143 opposite the first opening 142 along the cavity axis 123. The cavity 107 includes a first open end or first opening 144 and a second open end or second opening 145 opposite the first opening 144 along the cavity axis 123. The openings 140-145 are defined along the outer side surface 113 of the handle 102. The outer side surface 113 extends between the first end 112 and the second end 114. In this manner, the cavity 105-107 is configured such that the sleeve 108 can be removed from the cavity 105-107 through the first opening 140,142,144. In certain embodiments, the cavity 105-107 is configured such that the sleeve 108 can be removed from the second opening 141,143,145.

[0033] Each cavity 105, 106, and 107 extends along and is centered on a cavity axis 123. Cavity axis 123 is oriented at an angle 125 relative to longitudinal axis 110 such that cavity axis 123 intersects longitudinal axis 110. In specific embodiments, angle 125 is between 45 and 135 degrees, and more specifically between 80 and 110 degrees. In certain embodiments, cavity axis 123 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110 of handle 102 such that cavity axis 123 each intersects longitudinal axis 110 at right angles or a few degrees from a right angle.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the opening area of ​​cavity 105 is smaller than the opening areas of cavities 106 and 107. The opening area of ​​cavity 106 is smaller than the opening area of ​​cavity 107 and larger than the opening area of ​​cavity 105. The opening area of ​​cavity 107 is larger than the opening areas of cavities 105 and 106. More specifically, width 130 of cavity 105 is smaller than width 131 of cavity 106. Width 131 is larger than width 130 of cavity 105, but width 131 is smaller than width 132 of cavity 107. Width 132 of cavity 107 is larger than width 130 of cavity 105 and width 131 of cavity 106. In addition, cavity 105 is positioned closest to first end 112 of handle 102, and cavity 107 is positioned closest to second end 114 of handle 102. Cavity 106 is positioned between and evenly spaced apart from cavity 105 and cavity 107. In this manner, cavities 105-107 are arranged along handle 102 in order of size from smallest open area to largest open area.

[0035] Each cavity 105, 106, and 107 is sized to receive and retain a corresponding sleeve 108. In a specific embodiment, the sleeve 108 is fixed in its corresponding cavity by an interference fit. Specifically, the cavity 105 is sized to form a light press fit between the inner wall 150 of the cavity 105 and the outer wall 151 of the corresponding sleeve 108. The cavity 106 is sized to form a light press fit between the inner wall 152 of the cavity 105 and the outer wall 153 of the corresponding sleeve 108. The cavity 106 is sized to form a light press fit between the inner wall 154 of the cavity 105 and the outer wall 155 of the corresponding sleeve 108. As shown in the figure, the inner walls 150, 152, 154 are the inner side walls of the handle 102.

[0036] In other embodiments, snaps, ball stops, or overmolding are used to help secure the sleeve 108 in place within the cavities 105-107. In other embodiments, a quarter-turn locking mechanism may be used to hold the sleeve 108 in place within the handle 102. In other embodiments, the cavities 105-107 include a metal insert having one or more retaining mechanisms (e.g., magnets, collars, locking nuts, etc.) for supporting the sleeve 108 within the handle 102. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cavities 105-107 includes a step 156. With reference to the cavity 105, the step 156 is positioned adjacent to the second opening 141 of the cavity 105 and extends from the interior wall 150 in a direction toward the cavity axis 123 so that the sleeve 108 can only enter the cavity 105 from one direction. The step 156 is similarly positioned along the cavities 106 and 107.

[0037] In the particular embodiment shown, the handle 102 includes three cavities 105, 106, and 107 for holding three different sized sleeves 108. However, more cavities may be included along the handle 102 to hold more sleeves 108. Additionally, in certain embodiments, cavities are included on the shaft 104. In such embodiments, the drive tool 100 may store even more sleeves 108. For example, five or six reversible sleeves 108 may be stored along the drive tool 100.

[0038] The sleeve 108 is removably fixed within the cavities 105-107 so that the sleeves can be stored within the handle 102. The sleeve 108 includes a socket bit, a screwdriver bit, etc. The sleeve 108 is configured to engage the mounting end 116 of the shaft 104. Figure 8 As shown, each sleeve 108 is different in size and shape from each other to engage various fasteners (nuts, screws, etc.). Each sleeve 108 includes a first end 124 and a second end 126. The second end 126 is positioned opposite to the first end 124 and has a circumference larger than the circumference of the first end 124. In this way, the first end 124 is configured to receive fasteners of different sizes compared to the second end 126. As shown, the sleeve 108 is a 1 / 4 inch and 5 / 16 inch reversible sleeve, a 3 / 8 inch and 7 / 16 inch reversible sleeve, and a 1 / 2 inch and 9 / 16 inch reversible sleeve.

[0039] As shown, the sleeve 108 is generally cylindrical with a hexagonal opening for receiving the fastener or shaft 104. However, the sleeve 108 can be a variety of shapes (round, hexagonal, square, rectangular, etc.) and a variety of sizes (1 / 4 inch, 3 / 8 inch, etc.). The shape of the mounting end 116 of the shaft 104 can be the same as the shape of the sleeve 108 to allow engagement and retention of the sleeve 108. As shown, the mounting end 116 and the receiving portion of the sleeve 108 are both hexagonal.

[0040] refer to Fig. 9 In certain embodiments, the handle 102 includes a shaft receiving portion 128. The shaft receiving portion 128 is an opening formed in the outer side surface 113 of the handle 102 that is configured to engage the shaft 104. The shaft receiving portion 128 is located at a position between the first end 112 and the second end 114. As shown, the shaft receiving portion 128 is centrally located along the handle 102. The shaft 104 can be removably coupled to the shaft receiving portion 128. When the shaft 104 is coupled to the shaft receiving portion 128, the handle 102 can be used as a T-handle. The T-handle can be used to provide different torques and hand positioning for engaging the fastener with the sleeve 108. When the shaft 104 is received in the shaft receiving portion 128, the shaft 104 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 110. As shown, when the shaft 104 is received in the shaft receiving portion 128, the shaft 104 is perpendicular to the cavity axis 123 of the cavity 105-107. In this way, both the cavities 105-107 and the t-handle configuration may be used.

[0041] The shaft receiving portion 128 can be included on various types of tools (e.g., a screwdriver or other driving tool). In addition, the shaft receiving portion 128 can be on a driving tool that does not include the cavities 105-107. In the specific embodiment shown, the shaft receiving portion 128 is a 1 / 4 inch hexagonal receiving portion with a hexagonal opening.

[0042] Overall reference Figures 10 to 13 , showing various different embodiments of a joint tool head for a driving tool. Specifically, referring to Figures 10 to 12 , a reversible sleeve 200 is shown. The reversible sleeve 200 includes a body 202 extending along a longitudinal axis 204. The body 202 has a first end 206 and a second end 208. The second end 208 is positioned opposite the first end 206 along the longitudinal axis 204. An outer sidewall 207 extends along the body 202 of the sleeve between the first end 206 and the second end 208. The first end 206 and the second end 208 are configured to receive and retain a shaft (e.g., shaft 244). The shaft 244 is substantially the same as the shaft 104.

[0043] The sleeve 200 further includes a first or axial passage 210 and a second or radial passage 212. The axial passage 210 is formed in the sleeve 200 and extends from the first end 206 to the second end 208 along the longitudinal axis 204. The axial passage 210 extends the length of the body 202. The mounting end 246 of the shaft 244 is configured to be removably coupled to the sleeve 200 within the axial passage 212.

[0044] A radial channel 212 is formed in the sleeve 200 at a location between the first end 206 and the second end 208 such that the radial channel intersects the axial channel 210. The radial channel 212 extends through at least a portion of the width of the sleeve 200. The radial channel 212 extends along a channel axis 213. The channel axis 213 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 204. In this way, the radial channel 212 is positioned perpendicular to the axial channel 210.

[0045] The radial passage 212 is configured to engage the shaft 244 to allow the sleeve 200 to be engaged without removing the shaft 104 from a handle (eg, handle 102). Additionally, the radial passage 212 allows the shaft 244 to be used as a T-bar for driving fasteners.

[0046] like Fig.11 As shown, the radial passage 212 is a slot that defines an inner wall 215. The inner wall 215 helps define a polygonal end of the radial passage that is shaped to engage the shape of the shaft 244. In particular, the radial passage 212 defines an opening 214 along the outer sidewall 207 of the sleeve 200. The opening is configured to receive and retain the body 247 of the shaft 244. In a specific embodiment, the opening 214 extends around the outer sidewall 207 of the sleeve 200 for a distance greater than 50% of the circumference of the outer sidewall 207. In another specific embodiment, the sleeve 200 is cylindrical and the opening 214 extends around the sleeve 200 for a distance greater than 50% of the circumference of the outer sidewall 207.

[0047] like Fig.12 As shown, the shaft 244 can be used as a T-bar or a sliding T-handle for driving fasteners. The T-bar allows the shaft 244 to be used as a handle and provides greater handle leverage when driving fasteners. When the shaft 244 is received in the radial channel 212, the shaft 244 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis 204 to drive the fastener into the workpiece.

[0048] To use the shaft 244 as a T-bar, the shaft 244 is first engaged or installed within the radial passage 212 such that the body 247 of the shaft 244 is oriented in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 204. More specifically, the shaft 244 is inserted into the radial passage 212 through the opening 214 and pushed through the radial passage 212 until the shaft abuts the inner wall 215. When positioned within the radial passage 212, the shaft 244 is aligned in a direction parallel to the passage axis 213. The shaft 244 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis 204. This causes the sleeve 200 to rotate and drive the fastener into the workpiece.

[0049] refer to Fig.13 , a reversible sleeve 300 is shown. Aside from the differences discussed herein, the reversible sleeve 300 is substantially identical to the reversible sleeve 200. The reversible sleeve includes a through hole 320.

[0050] The reversible sleeve 300 includes a body 302 extending along a longitudinal axis 304. The body 302 has a first end 306 and a second end 308. The second end 308 is positioned opposite to the first end 306 along the longitudinal axis 304. Further, the sleeve 300 includes an axial channel 310 (not shown), a radial channel 312 (not shown), and a through hole 320. The axial channel 310 extends from the first end 306 to the second end 208 along the longitudinal axis 304. The radial channel 312 extends along a channel axis 313 positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 304. The through hole 320 extends along a hole axis 321. The hole axis 321 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 304 and perpendicular to the channel axis 313.

[0051] The through hole 320 extends through the width of the sleeve 300 and intersects the radial passage 312. In particular, the through hole 320 extends through the outer side surface 307 of the body 302 and through the inner wall 315 defined by the radial passage 312.

[0052] The through hole 320 is configured to engage the shaft 104 to allow the sleeve 300 to be engaged without removing the shaft 244 from the handle (e.g., handle 102). In addition, the through hole 320 allows the shaft 244 to be used as a T-bar for driving fasteners. As shown, the through hole 320 is a hexagonal hole.

[0053] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0054] According to this specification, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification should be interpreted as being illustrative only. The construction and arrangement shown in a variety of different exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications (for example, the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without actually departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of the discrete element can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of a variety of different exemplary embodiments.

[0055] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is by no means intended that any method set forth herein be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, in the absence of an actual enumeration of the order in which its steps should be followed in a method claim or in the absence of a specific statement in the claim or specification that the steps should be limited to a specific order, it is by no means intended that any specific order can be inferred. Furthermore, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as only one.

[0056] The various different embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0057] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly coupled to one another. Such coupling may be fixed in nature, or removable in nature. Such coupling may be achieved by the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed with one another as a single unitary body, or by the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such coupling may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in such a manner that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0058] Although the present application recites specific combinations of features in any appended claims, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combinations are currently required), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0059] In various exemplary embodiments, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, are proportional as shown in the drawings. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the drawings. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification may be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured in the drawings in combination with explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A driving tool, comprising: longitudinal axis; a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis; a shaft coupled to the first end of the handle; a cavity centered on and extending along a cavity axis, the cavity being formed in the handle at a location between the first end and the second end; an engagement tool head removably secured within the cavity; and Wherein, the cavity axis is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis such that the cavity axis intersects the longitudinal axis.

2. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein: The cavity axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

3. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein: When the engaging cutter head is fixed in the cavity, the outer wall of the engaging cutter head abuts against the inner wall of the cavity.

4. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein: The engaging cutter head forms an interference fit with the cavity.

5. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein: The cavity includes a first opening and a second opening opposite to the first opening along the axis of the cavity, wherein the handle further includes an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first opening and the second opening are defined along the outer surface of the handle, and wherein the cavity is configured so that the engaging tool head can be removed from the cavity through the first opening.

6. The driving tool according to claim 5, wherein: The cavity further includes a step positioned adjacent to the second opening and extending from an inner wall of the cavity in a direction toward the cavity axis.

7. The driving tool according to claim 5, wherein: The cavity is configured such that the engagement bit can be removed from the cavity through the second opening.

8. The drive tool of claim 1, further comprising a channel formed in the handle and spaced a distance from the longitudinal axis, the channel being configured to receive and retain the shaft, wherein The channel extends through the handle in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The driving tool according to claim 8, wherein: The channel is centered on and extends along a channel axis, wherein the channel axis is oblique to the cavity axis.

10. A driving tool comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis, the handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis; a shaft removably coupled to the first end of the handle; First blade; a second cutting head, the first cutting head and the second cutting head being configured to engage a mounting end of the shaft; A first cavity configured to receive and hold the first tool head; a second cavity, the first cavity being configured to receive and hold the second cutting head; as well as A solid region is formed in the handle, the solid region extending between the first cavity and the second cavity without an opening in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

11. The driving tool according to claim 10, wherein: The width of the second cavity is greater than the width of the first cavity.

12. The driving tool according to claim 10, wherein: The first cutter head is fixed in the first cavity by interference fit.

13. The driving tool of claim 10, further comprising a third cutting bit and a third cavity configured to receive the third cutting bit.

14. The drive tool of claim 10, further comprising an opening formed in the handle between the first end and the second end, the opening being configured to removably couple with the shaft, wherein When the shaft is secured within the opening, the shaft is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

15. The driving tool according to claim 14, wherein: The first cavity extends along a cavity axis, and wherein the shaft is oriented perpendicular to the cavity axis when the shaft is secured within the opening.

16. A driving tool comprising: A sleeve centered on and extending along a longitudinal axis, the sleeve comprising: First end; a second end opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis; an outer sidewall extending along the sleeve between the first end and the second end; a first passage formed in the sleeve, the first passage extending along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; and a second passage formed in the sleeve, the second passage being located between the first end and the second end such that the second passage intersects the first passage, the second passage defining an opening along the outer sidewall; An axis, the axis comprising: a mounting end configured to be removably coupled to the sleeve within the first passage; and A body is configured to be received and retained within the second passage; and wherein the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis when the shaft is received in the second passage to drive a fastener into a workpiece.

17. The driving tool according to claim 16, wherein: The second channel is oriented perpendicular to the first channel.

18. The driving tool according to claim 16, wherein: The sleeve includes a bore extending across a width of the sleeve and intersecting the second passageway.

19. The driving tool according to claim 16, wherein: The sleeve is cylindrical, and wherein the opening extends around the outer sidewall a distance greater than 50% of the circumference of the outer sidewall.

20. The driving tool of claim 16, wherein: The second channel defines an inner wall, and wherein a side of the body of the shaft abuts the inner wall when the shaft is received in the second channel.