Bit holding apparatus for use with a power tool

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/004,995, filed Dec. 7, 2004, and this application claims priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/531,617 filed Dec. 23, 2003, and this application is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US04/39769, filed Dec. 17, 2004, all of which applications are hereby formally incorporated by reference herein as an integral part of the present application. This application claims priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/747,314, filed May 16, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety as though set forth fully below.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to power tools and, particularly, to the use of power tools including rotating drive mechanisms such as drive chucks and impact wrench drive tools adapted to drill holes such as pilot holes as well as for driving of fasteners and other operations commonly performed in the field of construction.

[0004] 2. Background

[0005] The keyless chuck was designed to facilitate ease of rapid transfer between various bits used for different purposes in common power tools, however, it is still significantly time consuming and burdensome to repeatedly disengage one bit such as a drill bit or a driving bit over and over again when performing common construction tasks such as drilling pilot holes and then driving a fastener into each of these pilot holes with an appropriate fastener. This construction activity is still very time consuming even when utilizing the more commonly used keyless chuck devices that are currently widely available. Many changeovers or transfers between one bit and another bit such as those needed between drilling and driving mode would need to be made, often as many as one hundred or even more per hour, when performing common construction activities, such as, for example, during the installation of decking.

[0006] Another common tactic to avoid repeated bit changes is to utilize two separate power drills, one set up with a first bit device such as a drill bit and the other tool having a second bit device such as a driving bit mounted therein. However, this procedure introduces additional expense since two power tools are needed and also requires the constant switching back and forth between the two separate power tools, which are fairly large and can be quite expensive.

[0007] 3. Description of the Prior Art

[0008] Many patents have been granted illustrating devices for facilitating use of bit devices for various purposes such as drilling and driving of fasteners thereinto which claim to expedite rapid conversion between these two modes of operation for use with power tools such as corded or rechargeable hand drills or impact drivers as well as many others. Examples of such patents include U.S. Pat. No. 1,871,720 patented Aug. 16, 1932 to L. F. Meunier and assigned to Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company on an “Attachment For Driving Spindles”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,293,786 patented Aug. 25, 1942 to E. C. Worden and assigned to The Billings & Spencer Company on a “Wrench”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,451,565 patented Oct. 19, 1948 to M. Landow on a “Chuck Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,309 patented Mar. 22, 1949 to R. Happe et al and assigned to The Singer Manufacturing Company on a “Chuck Adapter For Portable Electric Tools”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,536,017 patented Jan. 2, 1951 to A. A. Bamberger and assigned to Speedo Manufacturing Co., Inc. on a “Rotary Tool Hand Piece”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,714,026 patented Jul. 26, 1955 to G. E. Schultz and assigned to R. C. S. Engineering Corp. on a “Rotating Tool Connector”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,614 patented Mar. 8, 1960 to R. B. Ransom on a “Countersinking Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,659 patented Apr. 5, 1960 to R. E. Novkov and assigned to Portage Double-Quick Inc. on a “Quick Change Tool Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,015 patented Feb. 27, 1962 to M. W. Pankow on a “Reversible Bit Drill Attachment”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,522 patented Jun. 2, 1964 to W. Bell and assigned to Expansion Industries Corporation on a “Drill Chuck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,289,290 patented Dec. 6, 1966 to R. P. Sandor on a “Method And Apparatus For Installing Fasteners”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,405,949 patented Oct. 15, 1968 to J. R. Cox and assigned to Balas Collet Company on a “Tool Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,114 patented Dec. 16, 1969 to E. A. Rodin on a “Screw Installing Attachment For Power Tools”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,515 patented May 22, 1973 to E. C. Dudek and assigned to Thor Power Tool Company on a “Power Wrench With Interchangeable Adapters”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,143 patented Oct. 22, 1974 to T. E. Laxson on a “Chuck Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,784 patented Aug. 10, 1976 to D. A. Smith on a “Cutting Tool Adaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,753 patented Jun. 6, 1978 to M. E. Fuhrmann on a “Combination Drill And Screwdriver”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,794 patented Aug. 26, 1980 to B. Seidel et al and assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc. on a “Hole-Drilling And Fastener-Driving Combination Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,795 patented Aug. 26, 1980 to R. J. Ernst et al and assigned Illinois Tool Works Inc. on a “Drill Bit With Fastener-Driving Collar Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,969 patented Sep. 30, 1980 to J. A. Plessner on a “Universal Chuck Adaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,937 patented Nov. 8, 1983 to G. E. Gutsche on “Elements For A Tool System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,181 patented Oct. 17, 1989 to S. Hsu on a “Coupling Member For Securing A Drilling Head To The Rotatable Rod Of A Pneumatic Tool Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,641 patented Jul. 31, 1990 to A. Alves on a “Clutch Engager Sleeve”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,921 patented Jul. 23, 1991 to S. Yasuhara et al and assigned to Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. and Showa Tool Co., Ltd. on a “Traction Drive Tool Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,496 patented Oct. 1, 1991 to G. P Albert et al and assigned to Ingersoll-Rand Company on an “Apparatus For Attaching Power Tool Housing Extensions”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,145 patented May 5, 1992 to P. A. Stewart on a “Power Tool Adaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,118 patented Jul. 14, 1992 to M. W. Walmesley on an “Accessory Tool Apparatus For Use On Power Drills”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,666 patented Mar. 9, 1993 to L. N. Corbin on a “Drill Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,638 patented Feb. 1, 1994 to D. L. Harper on a “Conversation Device For Drills”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,799 patented May 10, 1994 to M. B. Jore on a “Transparent Sleeve Screw Holding And Driving Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,206 patented to L. M. Krumszyn et al on Jul. 19, 1994 and assigned to Luba Krumszyn on an “Adapter For Power Tools”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,333 patented Apr. 25, 1995 to D. Hu and assigned to Ho-Shuenn Huang and Dye-Jon Hu on a “Multiply Functioned Drill Means”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,647 patented Jul. 29, 1997 to R. J. Ray and assigned to GBR Pilot Master, Inc. on an “Auxiliary Chuck And Screwdriver For Electric Drills”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,961 patented Oct. 21, 1997 to D. W. Fleege et al on a “Quick Change Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,043 patented Jan. 27, 1998 to T. J. Crawford et al and assigned to Diversified Fastening Systems, Inc. on a “Set Tool And Cap”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,302 patented Aug. 25, 1998 to J. F. Khoury on a “Screwdriver Adapted To Be Coupled To An Electric Drill For Automatic Rotation Thereof”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,026 patented Sep. 14, 1999 to W. G. Harman, Jr. et al and assigned to Black & Decker Inc. on a “Removable Chuck”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,162 patented Mar. 7, 2000 to K. Uebele et al and assigned to Firma DreBo Werkseug-Fabrik GmbH on a “Bit Adaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,442 patented Feb. 25, 2003 to M. W. Lehnert et al and assigned to AcraDyne Inc. on a “Torque Tool Assembly”.

[0009] Some embodiments include an apparatus comprising a rotatable device from the group consisting of a keyless chuck, a keyless chuck adapter, a collet chuck, a collet adapter, a set screw bit retaining chuck, and a set screw bit retaining adapter. The rotatable device is configured to be mounted to a power tool for rotational driving thereof and configured to receive a first bit device detachably mounted therein for powering rotational movement thereof. The rotatable device includes a generally cylindrical mounting section defined thereon, which is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. The generally cylindrical mounting section includes at least one locking means thereon. The generally cylindrical mounting section is adapted for insertion into and engagement with a bit holding attachment.

[0010] In some embodiments, a bit holding attachment is usable with a power tool having a rotatable chuck or adapter with a generally cylindrical mounting section defining at least one locking aperture thereon. The bit holding attachment comprises a housing having a mounting cavity at a mounting end of the housing. The mounting cavity is adapted to receive and detachably engage the generally cylindrical mounting section to be movable therewith. The housing is adapted to receive at least a portion of a first bit device by way of the mounting cavity; a forward bit securement means for detachably receiving and retaining of a second bit device therein; at least one locking pin movably mounted within said housing and extendable at least partially into the mounting cavity for extending thereof into a locking aperture to engage the generally cylindrical mounting section. A resilient biasing means is positioned at or near the mounting end of the housing. The resilient biasing means applies a force to the locking pin for resiliently urging thereof inwardly toward the locking aperture. A retaining means over the resilient biasing means retains the resilient biasing means.

[0011] In some embodiments, a bit holding attachment is usable with a power tool having a rotatable chuck or adapter with a generally cylindrical mounting section defining at least one locking aperture thereon. The bit holding attachment comprises a housing having a mounting cavity at a mounting end of the housing. The mounting cavity is adapted to receive and detachably engage the cylindrical mounting section to be movable therewith. An intermediate cavity is connected to and smaller in diameter than the mounting cavity. A forward cavity is connected to and smaller in diameter than the intermediate cavity. The housing is adapted to receive at least a portion of a first bit device by way of the mounting cavity. A forward bit securement means detachably receives and retains a second bit device therein. At least one locking pin is movably mounted within the housing and extendable at least partially into the mounting cavity for extending into a locking aperture to engage the generally cylindrical mounting section;

[0012] In some embodiments, a bit holding attachment is usable with a power tool having a rotatable chuck or adapter with a generally cylindrical mounting section defining at least one locking aperture thereon. The bit holding attachment comprises a housing having a mounting cavity at a mounting end of the housing. The mounting cavity is adapted to receive and detachably engage the generally cylindrical mounting section to be movable therewith. The housing is adapted to receive at least a portion of a first bit device by way of the mounting cavity. A forward bit securement means detachably receives and retains a second bit device therein. At least one locking pin is movably mounted within the housing and extendable at least partially into the mounting cavity for extending into a locking aperture to engage the generally cylindrical mounting section. The forward bit securement means comprises a magnetic element for retaining the second bit device therein.

[0013] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a keyed mounting chuck adapter and a bit holding attachment. The keyed mounting chuck adapter is configured to be mounted to a power tool for rotational driving thereof and configured to receive a first bit device detachably mounted therein for powering rotational movement of the first bit device. The keyed mounting chuck adapter includes a generally cylindrical mounting section defined thereon which is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. The generally cylindrical mounting section includes at least one locking means thereon. The bit holding attachment receives and engages the cylindrical mounting section, and comprises a mounting cavity shaped to receive the generally cylindrical mounting section, including means for engaging the locking means of the generally cylindrical mounting section. A forward bit securement means is provided at an end of the bit holding attachment opposite the mounting cavity, for detachably receiving and retaining a second bit device therein.

[0014] In some embodiments, a bit holding attachment is usable with a power tool having a rotatable chuck or adapter with a generally cylindrical mounting section having at least one locking means. The bit holding attachment comprises a housing comprising: a mounting cavity at a mounting end of the housing. The mounting cavity is adapted to receive and detachably engage the generally cylindrical mounting section to be movable therewith. The housing is adapted to receive at least a portion of a first bit device by way of the mounting cavity. A forward bit securement means is provided for detachably receiving and retaining a second bit device therein. A guide sleeve is slidably mounted to the housing and has an extended position in which the guide sleeve is adapted to extend around the second bit device and a fastener to be driven by the second bit device.

[0107] Examples are provided below, which allow the easy use of two different bits or other bit devices with a single power tool without requiring disengagement of either bit when used over and over in an alternating fashion. The term “bit device,” as used herein is not limited to drill bits, but includes many other rotatable devices having an end adapted to be secured to a rotating power tool, such as a drill, screw gun, cordless screw driver, or the like. Such bit devices include, but are not limited to: drill bits, screw driver bits, countersinks, hex wrenches, nut drivers, holesaws, abrasive discs, wire wheels, or the like.

[0108] An exemplary apparatus provides a means for facilitating the changeover from one bit device to another and can be useful for rapidly and repeatedly transferring between two modes (e.g., between drilling mode and fastener driving mode) using a single power tool without requiring disengagement of any bits from the bit retaining means.

[0109] One exemplary apparatus provides improved attachments having a housing, which defines a mounting end at one end thereof, and a forward end for either drilling or driving at the opposite end thereof. A mounting cavity is defined within the mounting end of the housing and faces outwardly therefrom. This mounting cavity is adapted to receive and detachably retain a cylindrical or generally cylindrical mounting section of the rotatable chuck of a power tool or an adapter mounted thereto. The mounting surface is preferably cylindrical and approximately 0.75 inches in diameter. The rotatable chuck or adapter is preferably designed to receive a first bit device detachably mounted therein.

[0110] In some embodiments, a forward cavity is also defined in fluid flow communication with respect to the mounting cavity which is adapted to be able to receive a portion of a first bit device therewithin responsive to attachment of the generally cylindrical mounting section of a rotatable chuck or the generally cylindrical mounting section of an adapter within the mounting cavity. In other embodiments, the mounting cavity is extended and is long enough to receive the first bit device, and a distinct reduced-diameter forward cavity is not needed.

[0111] The forward end of the attachment includes a forward bit securement device therein for detachably receiving and retaining a second bit device. The first and second bit devices can comprise many different types of bits, such as conventional twist drill bits or other drill bits, or fastener driving bits such as slotted head driving bits, square head driving bits, Phillips head driving bits and nut setters. In one preferred method of usage of the exemplary apparatus, the first bit device will be used for drilling pilot holes and the second bit device will be used for driving of the fasteners into the associated pilot holes. This is a common construction activity that otherwise might require the time consuming repeated switching between two bit devices.

[0112] Other combinations of first and second bit devices that are useful for other tasks will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the examples herein. For example, using a drill bit as the first bit device, a countersink or counterbore may be used as a second bit device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the housing preferably defines an annular groove at a position extending around the mounting cavity and an annular slot which extends peripherally around the mounting cavity and also around the outer periphery of the annular groove. In some embodiments, at least one locking pin device is movably mounted within the housing and is adapted to be positioned extending into the mounting cavity to be selectively movable at least partially into the mounting cavity itself for extending thereof into a locking aperture to facilitate detachable engagement therewith, to secure the cylindrical mounting section of the rotatable chuck of the power tool or of the adapter with respect to the mounting cavity of the housing. The locking pin can also be positioned extending into the annular groove to facilitate biasing thereof inwardly.

[0114] A resilient biasing means, such as a circular spring means, may be positioned within the housing in such a manner that it extends around the mounting cavity. An annular slot can be defined in the housing extending around the circular spring means. A capping ring, preferably made of aluminum, can be positioned within the annular slot extending over the circular spring means to facilitate retaining thereof beneath the ring as well as also for safety purposes. The resilient biasing device or circular spring can be adapted to be brought into abutment with respect to each locking pin for resiliently urging thereof inwardly toward a locking aperture defined in or on the cylindrical mounting section of a rotatable chuck or adapter responsive to positioning thereof within the mounting cavity to facilitate detachable engagement therebetween. Each locking pin can optionally also include a notch in the portion thereof that abuts the resilient biasing means to facilitate the exertion of biasing force thereagainst.

[0115] This capping ring can act as a protective cap to facilitate retaining of the resilient biasing means in position in biasing abutment with respect to the locking pin or pins. The capping ring can also be positioned extending around the annular groove with the resilient biasing spring positioned therewithin to facilitate securement of the biasing means within the annular groove to prevent it from extending partially outwardly therefrom during powered rotation of the attachment. If a circular spring is used as the biasing means, retention of the resilient biasing means within the housing or within the annular groove can be important when the attachment is rotating at high speeds, at which times it has a tendency to be released or to partially extend outwardly from the rotating attachment which could be dangerous to the operator or nearby persons (although the method of retaining the circular spring may be varied).

[0116] In other embodiments, the design of the biasing means can inherently avoid risk of outward extension during rotation of the attachment, and the capping ring may be omitted. Even with the circular spring, the capping ring is not necessary.

[0117] It should be appreciated that, using the exemplary embodiment, the power tool, with which the attachment is usable, is normally a hand drill or other similar tool with a rotatable chuck designed to retain therewithin a bit device such as a drilling and/or driving member. To construct various different configurations of the more common of the currently available power tools with rotatable chucks, some embodiments of the present invention can also include an adapter device which is designed to hold a first bit which can be used for drilling or driving or other operations. Engagement of the chuck or adapter with respect to the attachment mechanism according to these embodiments of the present invention will facilitate quick changeover between different bits in order to produce various construction operations such as, but not limited to, drilling and driving.

[0118] Some embodiments include an intermediate cavity positioned between the forward cavity and the mounting cavity which is in fluid flow communication with both. This cavity is designed to allow bit devices of larger diameter than conventional round twist drill bits to be positioned in the main chuck mounting device or adapter. By making this intermediate cavity larger in diameter than the forward cavity, larger first bit devices can be utilized without requiring that first bit device to be removed when the attachment is placed in engagement with the cylindrical mounting surface of the chuck or adapter. There are a number of examples of such larger bit devices commonly used now such as a drill bit with a countersinking attachment or a drill bit with a self-centering guided device mounted thereon and many others. Others might include a drill bit with a collet adapter or drill bits with hex-shaped drive shanks. Also some embodiments of the present invention are usable with a nut or hex driver bit chosen as the first bit device and these bits can be larger in diameter than standard twist drill bits. This intermediate cavity allows an attachment according to an embodiment of the present invention to be usable with the various configurations of larger diameter bit devices. Preferably this intermediate cavity is larger than the forward cavity but smaller than the mounting cavity to facilitate this manner of usage.

[0119] The resilient biasing device is preferably a circular spring which is split at one location therealong to define a first spring end section and a second spring end section spaced somewhat apart but fairly close to being adjacent. It is desirable that this circular spring be prevented movement about the axis along the annular groove, if the two spring end sections are the portions of the springs that are in abutting contact with the locking pins for maintaining biasing thereof in a generally inward direction toward the cylindrical mounting section. For this purpose an anti-clocking pin can be included which will be fixedly secured in a position between the first spring end and the second spring end to minimize movement of the circular spring axially around the attachment and in this manner maintain the proper desired alignment between the circular spring and the locking pins. With configurations including the annular groove, the anti-clocking pin will preferably be pressed into the groove between the first spring end section and the second spring end section of the circular spring. Many other manners of securement of the optional anti-clocking pin into the annular groove are contemplated in some embodiments according to the present invention, such as threaded engagement. The anti-clocking pin is optional in embodiments of the present invention, since other means of preventing clocking are also contemplated, such as a shoulder protruding from the housing which restricts clocking movement of the spring in the annular groove. Preferably two locking pins are included which extend inwardly toward the mounting cavity such as to be angularly oriented obliquely with respect to the radial direction thereof. These two locking pins are preferably spatially disposed from one another and angled obliquely in opposite directions to facilitate engagement with one or more apertures for engaging a locking aperture defined in the cylindrical mounting section irrespective of whether the cylindrical mounting section is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction during engaging movement thereof. Inward movement of the two locking pins can be limited by a shoulder construction for each. A first shoulder can limit the radially inwardly directed movement of the first locking pin and is defined by the housing. The housing can also define a second shoulder positioned adjacent to the second locking pin which limits the radially inwardly directed movement thereof.

[0120] Some embodiments of the present invention can also include a guide sleeve device mounted on the housing adjacent to the forward end which is telescopically movable longitudinally with respect to the housing between a retracted storage position which encircles the housing adjacent the forward end thereof and an extended operative position extending forwardly from the forward end of the housing. In this manner, the guide sleeve will be movable to the extended operative position in order to surround a second bit secured to the forward end of the housing to facilitate maintaining proper alignment thereof for use. Thus, the guide sleeve apparatus can be useful in those situations where the second bit secured to the forward end of the housing by the forward bit securement means is chosen to be a fastener driving bit. With the guide sleeve device in the extended operative position, it can surround a fastener driving bit for facilitating engaging of a workpiece (e.g., a fastener) when driving it. A magnetic retaining means can also be included within the forward cavity to facilitate securement of various different types of second bit devices therewithin. A set screw may also be included to facilitate securement of a second bit to the forward end of the housing by the forward bit securement means.

[0121] The apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention is usable with power tools provided with chucks which have conventional key operated locking mechanisms for holding bits secured therewithin. However, other embodiments of the present invention are usable with many types of chucks for a power tool by the inclusion of an adapter device mounted in the original equipment chuck of the power tool which includes the cylindrical or generally cylindrical mounting section and defines at least one locking aperture in this cylindrical mounting section which allows securement of the attachment device according to an embodiment of the present invention thereto for facilitating use of the unique bit holding apparatus. With this configuration, the adapter becomes an integral component of the improved bit holding apparatus and greatly widens the various modes of uses of various apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of two different bit devices thereto, such as for example, a drilling bit device and a fastener bit device, wherein use with various sizes of drilling devices or variously configured fastener driving devices is made possible.

[0123] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of multiple bit devices with respect thereto such as a drilling device and a fastener driving device with respect thereto, wherein use is possible with drill bits having countersinking devices, self-centering guided devices, and collet adapters which can include various drive shank configurations such as hex-shaped drive shanks and many others.

[0124] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with power tools for facilitating detachable mounting of a drilling device and a fastener device with respect thereto wherein rapid changeover between drilling and driving bit devices, or two different drilling devices, or two different driving bit devices or many other combinations of bit devices is facilitated with power tools having many types of original equipment chuck mechanisms.

[0125] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of various bit devices such as drilling devices and/or a fastener devices or others with respect thereto wherein cost is minimized.

[0126] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of various different types or sizes of bit devices with respect thereto wherein maintenance requirements are minimal.

[0127] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of bit devices such as drilling devices and/or a fastener devices of various sizes and configurations with respect thereto, wherein usage with many different types of powered tools having rotatable output is possible.

[0128] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of many different types and sizes of drilling devices and fastener devices is possible, wherein the safety considerations of such high speed rotating chucks is actively controlled.

[0129] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mounting of various bit devices with respect thereto wherein use with many different types of chucks is made possible such as use with a keyless chuck or keyed chuck.

[0130] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool for facilitating use of two different bit devices with respect thereto wherein use with many types of power tools is possible regardless of the particular means for powering thereof.

[0131] An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below, which is usable with a power tool which can be used for facilitating detachable mounting of a drilling device and/or a fastener device with respect thereto and which enables a person to purchase a chuck and mount it directly to a power tool or to purchase an adapter and mount it to a power tool chuck that they might already own.

[0132] FIG. 1 shows an improved bit holding attachment device 10 which is particularly usable for alternately drilling pilot holes and driving fasteners 38 therein. It can also be implemented for use of many other different combinations of bit devices such as drilling and drilling, driving and drilling or driving and driving. This can provide universal utility in a variety of applications. The attachment 10 can hold one bit detachably securable to the cylindrical portion 18 of the adapter 78 or chuck 14 and the adapter 78 or chuck 14 will, itself, hold the other bit. Alternating usage of the two held bit devices 22 and 36 is achieved by alternately mounting the attachment 10 for allowing operation of the second bit device 36 and alternately removing the attachment 10 for allowing use of the first bit device 22. Thus, it is certainly much faster and easier to merely remove or secure the attachment 10 with respect to the cylindrical surface 18 of the chuck 14 or adapter 78 to change bit devices, than it would be to actually change the bit mounted in the chuck 14 each time a change is needed.

[0133] The attachment also and more generally can be used for quickly switching between two bit devices of most configurations and is usable with a power tool 12 having a rotatable device such as a chuck 14, keyless chuck 16, set screw mandrel 84, or possibly also an adapter 78, which includes a rotatably driven generally cylindrical mounting section 18 defining at least one locking means, such as a locking aperture 20 thereon. One particular example of an adapter—a collet adapter 94—is discussed below in the section describing FIG. 45A.

[0134] The rotatable chuck 14 (The reference numeral 14 is used herein generally to refer to any kind of rotatable chuck, and is not limited to keyed chucks) of the power tool 12 is defined to receive an attachment 10 secured with respect thereto. For securement the rotatable chuck 14 will preferably include a cylindrical mounting surface 18 thereon of approximately 0.75 inches in diameter. Some such original equipment manufactured power tools do not include a generally cylindrical mounting surface 18 with a locking aperture 20 defined therein (for example, at or recessed below the generally cylindrical mounting surface) or thereon (for example, at or above the generally cylindrical mounting surface) because of the advent of more common usage and availability of keyless rotatable chucks 16, both single sleeved and double sleeved. The exemplary embodiments use such a cylindrical mounting surface 18 or a generally cylindrical mounting surface in order for the attachment 10 to be securable thereto. (A generally cylindrical surface may, for example, take the form of a cylinder, or a cylinder having one or more flat or concave longitudinal surfaces between the locking apertures, or circumferential concave surfaces that do not coincide with the locking apertures. Alternatively, a generally cylindrical mounting surface may be in the form of a cylinder having one or more concave dimples). Thus, a generally cylindrical surface as defined herein may be a cylinder with or without surface features such as flat surfaces, dimples, concave surfaces, grooves, or the like.

[0135] Some exemplary embodiments include drills having chucks 14 which require chuck keys for tightening of articles such as bits within the jaws thereof or keyless chucks 16, adapters 78 or set screw mandrels 84 which themselves define cylindrical mounting surfaces 18 with at least one or more locking apertures 20 therein or thereon.

[0136] An older design was shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,114 by E. A. Rodin on a “Screw Installing Attachment For Power Tools” patented Dec. 16, 1969. The embodiments described herein include improvements over that design.

[0137] An adapter 78 may be detachably securable with respect to the rotatable chuck 14 of a power tool 12 directly or with respect to the rotatable keyless chuck 16 to provide a means for mounting of various different bit devices 22 therewithin while at the same time also providing the rotatably driven cylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least one locking aperture 20 therein or thereon. The inclusion of at least one locking aperture 20 will facilitate the rapid mounting and dismounting of the attachment 10 with respect to adapter 78 for allowing the driving of individual fasteners 38 into pilot holes immediately after each hole is individually drilled. This is just one of many possible manners of usage of the exemplary apparatus.

[0138] The attachment 10 includes a housing 24 which defines a mounting end 26 on one end thereof and a forward end 32 on the opposite end thereof. The housing 24 is designed to be detachably securable to a rotatable cylindrical mounting surface 18 which defines at least one locking aperture 20 thereon for facilitating such detachable securement.

[0139] The mounting end 26 of the housing 24 will preferably define a mounting cavity 28 therewithin which is open and faces outwardly therefrom. This mounting cavity 28 will preferably be round in cross-section and will be adapted to receive the cylindrical mounting surface 18 therewithin. The mounting cavity preferably includes one or more locking pins 44 therein which are radially biased inwardly by a resilient biasing means 50 such as a circular spring such that they can extend into the mounting cavity 28 and further into an adjacently positioned locking aperture 20 defined in the cylindrical mounting surface 18 for engagement therein or thereon when positioned within the mounting cavity 28. In this preferred embodiment, the locking pins 44 are biased inwardly by circular spring 50 such that one of them will extend at least partially into a locking aperture 20 for engagement therewith. In some embodiments, two locking pins 44 will be included such that they are angled radially in opposite oblique directions to facilitate locking thereof into an adjacent locking aperture 20 when engagement is achieved by either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the attachment 10 during engaging movement thereof relative to the cylindrical mounting surface 18. The first locking pin member 46 will engage a locking aperture 20 responsive to counterclockwise rotation of the attachment 10 as shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, the second locking pin member 48 will engage a locking aperture 20 responsive to clockwise rotation of the attachment 10 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0140] Thus, the attachment device 10 will be detachably and yet firmly secured upon the cylindrical mounting surface 18 of a rotatable chuck 14, keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel 84 or an adapter 78. As such, the attachment device 10 will rotate simultaneously with the cylindrical mounting surface 18 until forcibly detached by a user by rotating the attachment 10 relative to the surface 18 such that the engaged locking pin 44 will be withdrawn from the locking aperture 20 with which it is engaged thereby allowing disengagement of the mounting cavity 28 of the attachment 10 from locking aperture 20. Preferably, the locking pin 44 will include a first locking pin member 46 angularly oriented in a first direction and a second locking pin member 48 angled oppositely. Both first locking pin member 46 and second locking pin member 48 are capable of engaging a locking aperture 20. By orienting the two locking pins 46 and 48 oppositely, positive engagement between the mounting cavity 28 of the attachment 10 and the cylindrical mounting surface 18 will be achieved regardless of whether the rotational chuck 14, keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel chuck 84 or adapter 78 is being rotated in the counterclockwise or the clockwise direction, as described above. In either case, at least one of the two locking pins 46 and 48 will be brought into engagement with a locking aperture 20 defined in the cylindrical mounting surface 18. The resilient biasing means 50 can comprise a circular spring as described above, however, other types of springs and biasing members are also contemplated for usage in other embodiments. For example, the resilient biasing means 50 could include a small individual compression spring associated with each individual locking pin 44 or many other possible resilient biasing devices.

[0141] Exemplary embodiments are provided which safely retain the circular spring or resilient biasing means 50 with respect to the housing 24 of the attachment 10. For this reason an annular groove 40 may preferably be included which is defined about the surface of housing 24 at a position extending peripherally around the outside of the mounting cavity 28. With the circular spring 50 positioned in the annular groove 40 it will be brought into abutment with respect to the outermost ends of the locking pins 44 to facilitate resilient biasing thereof inwardly toward the mounting cavity 28 in such a manner that each of the one or more locking pins 44 are ready to engage a locking aperture 20 defined in or on the cylindrical mounting surface 18.

[0142] Also, to facilitate engagement between the one or more locking pins 44 and the circular spring 50, individual notches 82 may be defined in the outer tips of each of the locking pins 44. In this manner the circular spring 50 will abut each notch 82 to facilitate engagement with respect to the adjacent locking pin 44. For a configuration as shown in FIG. 4, the locking pins 44 preferably will not extend beyond a predefined distance into the mounting cavity 28, and for this reason a first shoulder 60 and a second shoulder 62 may optionally be defined in the housing 24 to limit the extent of inward movement of the first locking pin 46 and the second locking pin member 48, respectively. Other configurations for biasing are contemplated for the construction of the resilient biasing means 50 such as individual springs mounted in the housing 24 and other such configurations which might not necessarily require the specific inclusion of the annular groove means 40.

[0143] With usage of the circular spring 50 as the resilient biasing means, it is further preferable that it be safely retained to the attachment 10 and/or within the annular groove 40 by a suitable retaining means. This can be achieved, for example, by the housing 24 including an annular slot 42 extending outside of and peripherally around the annular groove 40. A retaining means in the form of a capping ring 52, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, can be positionable within the annular slot 42 to extend like a cap over and preferably adjacent the upper portion of the annular groove 40 in such a manner that the circular spring 50 is retained therewithin and cannot be released therefrom for safety purposes, nor can it move to a position extending partially outwardly therefrom such that it could be dangerous whenever the cylindrical mounting surface 18 is rotating, especially at high speeds. The rotatable chuck 14 of such power tools 12 or an adapter 78 can rotate at fairly high speeds in both rotational directions and in an embodiment having the circular spring 50, a safe and secure means for retainment of the circular spring 50 within the annular groove 40 can be utilized while at the same time allowing full flexibility and movement of the spring 50, such that it can achieve the proper inwardly directed bias against the one or more locking pins 44. The capping ring 52, if included, would preferably be made of an aluminum material, but other materials, such as various metals, plastics, or composites may be used. This is just one example, and in other embodiments, the annular groove 40 and annular slot 42 are not required.

[0144] In other embodiments (not shown), the annular slot 42 is omitted, and the outer circumference of the circular spring 50 is greater than the outer circumference of the housing 24. In some embodiments without the annular slot 42, a retaining means in the form of a capping ring has an outer diameter greater than the outer circumference of the mounting end of the housing 24 and greater than the outer circumference of the spring 50. The capping ring also has an internal slot sized to receive the circular spring 50 and an inner diameter large enough to fit snugly over the mounting end of the housing 24. The circular spring 50 is compressed to a diameter smaller than the inner circumference of the capping ring during assembly. Once the circular spring 50 seats inside the internal slot of the capping ring, the circular spring expands to a diameter greater than the circumference of the housing, while an inner diameter off the circular spring is still less than the outer diameter of the housing 24. Thus, the circular spring 50 prevents the capping ring 52 from sliding longitudinally along the housing, at the same time that the capping ring prevents the circular spring from releasing radially.

[0145] In other embodiments, both the slot 42 and groove 40 may be omitted. FIG. 50 is an example of one such embodiment. In FIG. 50, the one or more pins 44″ are biased by a resilient biasing means 50″, which may comprise springs or elastomeric members, such as a circular spring, o-ring or a plurality of elastomeric balls, for example. The resilient biasing means 50″ may be radially positioned entirely outside of the circumference of the housing 10″, as shown in FIG. 50, within the circumference of the housing (not shown in FIG. 50), or straddling the circumference of the housing (not shown in FIG. 50). A capping ring 52″ may be located entirely outside of the circumference of the housing 10″.

[0146] The capping ring 52″ is coupled to or integrally attached to the housing 10″. A variety of methods may be used to assemble the capping ring 52″ to the housing around the pins 44″ and biasing means 50″. For example, the pins may be pressed inward between halves of a customized plier-type tool having semi-circular jaws. Alternatively, the capping ring 52″ may have a ramped (or cammed) inner surface (not shown) on at least one side to facilitate sliding the capping ring over the pins 44″ and biasing means 50″. The pins 44′ may have a countoured surface adjacent to the biasing means 50″, or a flat surface.

[0147] Alternatively, the retaining means may be in the form of a discontinuous ring. The housing may 24 may include a plurality of plug-receiving apertures distributed on the outer circumference thereof, along the annular groove 40. After the circular spring 50 is seated in the annular groove 40, retaining means in the form of a plurality of plugs or set screws are driven into the plug-receiving apertures, to contact the circular spring, and are thus located radially outward from the circular spring. The plugs or set screws form a discontinuous ring around the circular spring for retention thereof. If friction-fit plugs are used, the plug receiving apertures may be circular, rectangular, or other shape, so long as the plugs are of the same shape as the apertures into which they are placed.

[0148] In some embodiments the spring 50 is split along one portion thereof so as to define a first spring end section 56 and a second spring end section 58. This is best shown in FIG. 5. These ends 56 and 58 are defined to include the tips of the ends of the split spring 50 as well as the immediate areas of the spring 50 thereadjacent. These end section 56 and 58 may be adjacent to one another and may be spaced apart a small distance as shown in FIG. 5. These end sections 56 and 58 of the circular spring means 50 have greater flexibility than other portions thereof and it is preferable that the first spring end section 56 be positioned in engaging abutment with respect to a first locking pin member 46 for biasing it inwardly. Similarly it is desired that the second spring end section 58 be positioned in abutment with respect to the second locking pin member 48, if it is included, for further facilitating inwardly directed bias thereadjacent radially inwardly.

[0149] Although an embodiment is described above using a spring 50 as a retention means for the locking pins 46, 48, other embodiments use other means for retaining the locking pins. For example, the locking pins may be spring loaded pin assemblies (not shown), each having a housing with threads that allow the assembly to be screwed into female threaded holes in the wall of the mounting section 18, for retaining the spring loaded pin assemblies in the attachment device 10. Within the housings of the spring loaded pin assemblies, internal biasing springs may be provided for biasing the locking pins so as to project from the locking pin assemblies and engage the apertures 20 of the cylindrical mounting surface 18. Alternatively, spring loaded pins may be inserted into the openings in the wall of mounting section 18, and plugs may be securely pressed into place behind the spring loaded pins (e.g., by interference fit) to retain the spring loaded pins.

[0150] In other embodiments (not shown), the locking means on the generally cylindrical surface may include one or more spring loaded members or protuberances extending outwardly from the generally cylindrical surface, and the attachment 10 includes locking apertures to receive the spring loaded members or protuberances. In such embodiments, the spring loaded members or protuberances may have rounded edges, to reduce likelihood of damage or injury to any object or person inadvertently contacting the rotating cylindrical surface while the attachment 10 is not covering the cylindrical mounting surface (i.e., while the first bit means is being used).

[0151] Some embodiments include a means to maintain the circular spring 50 in the proper orientation by restricting rotational or clocking movement thereof with respect to the housing 24. This movement restriction can be achieved by the inclusion of an anti-clocking pin 64 positioned extending into the annular groove 40 and pressed, or otherwise affixed, therein at a location between the end sections 56 and 58 of circular spring means 50. In this manner the anti-clocking pin 64 will be capable of being brought into abutment with the first spring end section 56 and/or the second spring end section 58, thus preventing clocking movement thereof axially along the annular groove 40. In this manner, movement of the spring 50 will be restricted within the annular groove 40, which will therefore maintain engagement between the first spring end section 56 and the first locking pin member 46 as well as maintaining engagement between the second spring end section 58 and the second locking pin member 48. Clocking pin 64 can also be mounted with respect to housing 24 by most other common mounting means such as threaded engagement and other means.

[0152] In other embodiments, no anti-clocking pin is used. For example, in some embodiments, the spring 50 subtends an angle of 360 degrees or more, so that the spring exerts a retaining force on the pins regardless of any clocking movement of the spring.

[0153] In other embodiments, instead of a separate anti-clocking pin, an anti-clocking member is formed integrally as a part of the same piece of material from which the housing 24 is formed. For example, the spring may have an integrally formed, radially-oriented tooth or projection (not shown) that engages a mating receptacle in the attachment device 10, preventing clocking without using a separate pin. The anti-clocking member, radially oriented tooth or projection may have the shape of the anti-clocking pin 64, or other another shape that is adapted to prevent clocking motion.

[0154] Although some embodiments include two locking pins 46 and 48, other embodiments are operational with the inclusion of only one locking pin, either pin 46 or pin 48 although with constructions including only one pin would allow securement to the cylindrical mounting surface 18 only responsive to engaging rotation in one direction, namely either clockwise or counterclockwise, but not both.

[0155] The example shown in FIG. 4 includes locking pins 46, 48 that face inwardly, and are adapted for engaging the locking apertures of a conventional chuck. In other embodiments (not shown), a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical mounting surface includes outwardly facing pins, and the device 10 includes apertures to receive the outwardly facing pins.

[0156] The exemplary device 10 preferably also defines a forward cavity 30 which is designed to receive and retain a second bit device 36 secured thereto by a forward bit securement means 34. Often this second bit device will be a fastener driving means such as a hex, square or slotted screw driving bit. To facilitate the forward bit securement means 34 retention of a second bit device 36 therein, a hole means 74 will preferably be defined therein usually with a hexagonal cross-section. This hexagonal cross-section will facilitate securement of various second bit devices 36 such as fastener driving devices with hexagonal driving shafts integrally formed therewith or attached thereto. Also a magnet 72 for retaining the second bit device 36 with respect to the forward end 32 of housing 24 may also be included in various configurations. Many second bit devices 36 can easily be secured detachably to the forward end 32 of housing 24 when used with the hexagonal shaped mounting holes 74 adapted to receive them.

[0157] Other embodiments of attachment devices 10 can also include set screws 76 for further maintaining detachable securement therewith of the second bit devices 36. Also set screws 80 can be utilized particularly as shown in FIG. 28 to retain the bit devices 22 with respect to an embodiment of an adapter 78, a set screw mandrel 84, a rotatable keyless chuck 16 or a rotatable chuck 14 or 16. Such set screw bit retaining devices are usable with respect to various configurations of chucks 14, keyless chucks 16, mandrels 84 and adapters 78 as shown in various Figures included herein.

[0158] An intermediate cavity 54 may be included in some embodiments of the present invention as shown best in FIG. 1. This intermediate cavity 54 will preferably be located between the mounting cavity 28 and the forward cavity 30. The purpose of the intermediate cavity 54 is to allow the chuck 14, keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel chuck 84 or adapter 78 to be capable of receiving those first bit devices 22 which can be larger than standard twist drill bits, particularly those devices which are larger in diameter. Such first bit devices 22 may include larger bits such as countersinking devices integral therewith, drill bits with self-centering guided enclosures or devices therearound, drill bits with collet adapters or drill bits with hex-shaped drive shanks or otherwise driven. All of these bits are generally slightly larger in diameter than conventional round twist drill bits. Furthermore the intermediate cavity will more readily receive nut, nut setter or nut head driver bits or other similar bits, which are usually larger in diameter than standard twist drill bits themselves.

[0159] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of bit attachment 10′ without an intermediate cavity. In this embodiment, rather than providing an intermediate diameter cavity 54 between the forward cavity 30 and the proximal end of the attachment 10′, an elongated mounting cavity 28′ extends towards the distal end of attachment 10′. The elongated mounting cavity 28′ may have a length that is approximately the sum of the length of the mounting cavity 28 and the intermediate cavity 54 shown in FIG. 1. The attachment 10′ of FIG. 1A accommodates a wide variety of differently sized first bit devices 22.

[0160] Other embodiments comprise an optional sleeve means such as guide sleeve 66. One example of such a configuration is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, including an add-on device 66 positionable around the forward end 32 of the attachment device 10. The guide sleeve 66 is initially oriented in the retracted storage position 68 as shown in FIG. 9 but is movable to the extended operative position 70 shown in FIG. 10, where it will be in surrounding engagement with respect to a second bit device 36 to facilitate use thereof. In this manner, for example, driving of fasteners into a substrate or other workpiece by a second bit device 36 which is a fastener driving bit device is greatly facilitated because the alignment of securement between the fastener driving bit and the fastener 38 is properly maintained. The guide sleeve 66 is preferably telescopingly movable with respect to the portion of the housing 24 which defines therewithin the forward cavity 30.

[0161] In some embodiments, the guide sleeve 66 has an extension limiting means, to prevent the guide sleeve from becoming separated from the attachment device 10 and lost. For example, the housing 24 may have a land, groove or detent for engaging a groove, ring or protrusion, respectively, on the inside of the guide sleeve 66.

[0162] The exemplary attachment device 10 is designed to be usable with a conventional key operated chuck design. Such devices were once commonly used but in current times keyless chucks have become much more popular. As such, other embodiments include, as a component thereof, a keyless chuck 16 or adapter 78 with a cylindrical mounting surface 18 and at least one locking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon as shown best in FIGS. 36 through 40. FIG. 36 shows the single sleeve keyless chuck 16 and FIG. 37 shows the double sleeve keyless chuck 16, each of which includes the cylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least one locking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon. When this keyless chuck 16 or set screw mandrel 84 with a cylindrical mounting surface 18 is provided as a component or added item, the original equipment chuck from a power tool such as a drill or impact wrench could be removed and replaced thereby. Alternatively, the rotatable chuck 14, keyless chuck 16, or set screw mandrel 84 described herein can replace the original equipment chuck, or an adapter member 78 can be mounted in the original equipment chuck. An adapter 78 can be positioned within a single sleeve keyless chuck 16, wherein each of the adapters 78 has a different configuration, but each adapter 78 commonly defines a cylindrical or generally cylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least one locking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon. Thus, it should be appreciated that many of the chucks 14 with cylindrical mounting surfaces 18 and at least one locking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon can be also be used as adapters 78, and many adapters 78 can also be used as chucks 14 having cylindrical mounting surfaces 18, defining at least one locking aperture 20. For the purposes of this disclosure, the only difference between an adapter and a chuck is that a chuck is mounted directly into the power drill itself, whereas the adapter is mounted into some other chucking device which itself is mounted in the power tool. Thus, an adapter 78 can be mounted in any type of mated chuck in order to provide a rotating cylindrical mounting surface 18 with one or more locking apertures 20 defined therein or thereon that can mate with the mounting cavity 28 of an attachment 10 made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. That chuck, within which the adapter 78 is mounted, can be original equipment or a device provided in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, or as a part optionally included with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Another manner of attaching the first bit devices 22 with respect to the rotatable chuck 14 or the adapter 78 is the use of a set screw 80 as shown in FIG. 22. In this design set screw 80 provides a set screw first bit retaining means.

[0164] FIGS. 45A and 46A show an exemplary embodiment of a collet adapter assembly 90. The collet adapter assembly 90 includes two pieces: a universal collet adapter portion 91 and a collet 94. The collet adapter portion 91 has a shaft 91p (preferably hexagonal in cross section) at its proximal end, adapted to be received by the chuck or keyless chuck of any drill or rotating tool. The distal portion of adapter portion 91 includes a generally cylindrical surface 18 and locking means, such as locking apertures 20. Adapter 91 includes a bore 92 in its distal end, for receiving a bit device 22. In the distal end of adapter 91, the bore 92 has a threaded portion 93.

[0165] Collet 94 has male threads near its distal end, for engaging the female threads 93 of bore 92. A head 97 (which may optionally be square or hexagonal or other shape) is provided for securely driving collet 94 into the adapter portion 91. Collet 94 has a bore 98 (shown in phantom) throughout its length for receiving the bit device 22. Collet 94 has a tapered proximal end 95 with longitudinal grooves 96 at least on two diametrically opposed sides, dividing the proximal end of collet 94 into two halves. (In some embodiments, four grooves divide the proximal end into four ¼ portions, or six grooves divide the proximal end into six ⅙ portions, etc.) The outer diameter of the tapered end 95 varies, being smaller than the diameter of bore 92 at the tip (facilitating entrance into the bore), and being larger than the diameter of the bore 92 in the distal end of the tapered portion 95. As shown in FIG. 46, when the collet 94 is threadably engaged in the bore 92 of adapter 91, the two halves (or four quarters, or six sixths, or the like) of the tapered end 95 are squeezed together, due to the larger-diameter portion of the tapered end 95 engaging the walls of bore 92, firmly gripping bit device 22. Thus, collet adapter assembly 90 provides a means for securely retaining a round bit device as an alternative to a set screw bit retaining adapter of FIG. 28.

[0166] In some embodiments, the collet adapter 91 may have an optional forward section (not shown) extending past the distal end of the generally cylindrical section 18, with the threaded portion of the bore 93 extending into the forward section. Then the bore need not extend into the cylindrical mounting section 18.

[0167] In a given tool set, a plurality of collets 94 may be provided for a plurality of respective bit device diameters, each collet 94 having a common male thread size and a respectively different bore 98 size corresponding to the diameter of each respective bit device 22. Thus, a single adapter 91 accommodates a variety of first bit device sizes.

[0168] Alternatively, a set may also include a plurality of adapters 91 having proximal shafts adapted for use with a quick-connect type driving system. Frequent changes between the first bit device and the second bit device are achieved using the bit attachment device 10, as described above; and less frequent changes from one first-bit device to another first-bit device (e.g., to drill a different sized pilot hole) is achieved by swapping one assembly 90 for another assembly 90 having a differently sized first bit device 22 and corresponding collet 94 mounted therein.

[0169] FIGS. 45B and 46B show a collet chuck assembly 90′ that is similar to the collet adapter assembly 90 shown in FIGS. 45A and 46A, but includes the following features. Collet chuck assembly 90′ has a collet chuck 91′ with a power tool mounting section 91p′. The power tool mounting section 91p′ may be used to mount the collet chuck 91′ directly to a power tool, such as a drill or impact driver (in contrast to the collet adapter mounting section 91p (FIG. 45A) that is adapted to be received by an existing chuck of a power tool). The collet chuck mounting section 91p′ may have a socket 91s to facilitate mounting on a tool, such as an impact driver.

[0170] FIGS. 47 to 49B show alternative shapes of generally cylindrical mounting sections, with details omitted that are not pertinent to the particular features discussed in this paragraph. FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view of a generally cylindrical mounting section 18′″ and a corresponding attachment 10′″. The generally cylindrical mounting section 18′″ has features such as flat surfaces 18f, and concave surfaces or dimples 18d on the generally cylindrical mounting surface 18′″ that may facilitate gripping the generally cylindrial mounting surface, but do not affect the engagement between the generally cylindrial mounting surface and the attachment 10′″. The pins 46 of attachment 10′″ engage the locking apertures 20 in the manner described above with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0171] In other embodiments (e.g., FIG. 47), the generally cylindrical mounting section 18″ has at least one flat surface 18f for engaging a corresponding flat surface 10f in the mounting cavity of the attachment 10″. For example, the generally cylindrical mounting section and the corresponding mounting cavity may each have a “D” shaped cross section, as shown. In such embodiments, the flat surface 18f acts as a locking means or key to cause the attachment 10″ to rotate with the generally cylindrical mounting section 18″.

[0172] Although the embodiments shown above include generally cyclindrical mounting sections, in other embodiments, mounting sections having other shapes (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.) may be used. For example, a keyless chuck having a hexagonal mounting section with a groove or aperture therein may be used in conjunction with an attachment device having a hexagonal mounting cavity and a spring loaded ball bearing in place of locking pins. Alternatively, the ball bearing may be placed on the mounting section, and the groove in the mounting cavity of the bit attachment. This is just one example, and many other shapes may be used in the mounting section with a corresponding shape in the mounting cavity of the bit attachment device. Similarly, many other locking mechanisms may be used.

[0173] In other variations (e.g., FIGS. 49A and 49B, the locking means or key is not limited to a flat surface, but may be at least one longitudinal groove 18g on the generally cylindrical mounting section 18″″, with at least one corresponding longitudinal ridge in the mounting cavity of the attachment 10 (not shown).

[0174] Although the examples in FIGS. 1-44 include cylindrical mounting section 18, any of the embodiments in FIGS. 1-44 may be practiced using any of the generally cylindrical mounting sections described herein, or any equivalent mounting section having a locking means for engaging any of the bit holding attachments described herein, or equivalents thereof.

[0175] The savings of time during the performing of these activities when utilizing the attachment described above is a significant advantage in reducing the labor cost in such jobs.

[0176] As shown in the drawing figures, the present invention provides a power tool 5, either corded or cordless driven, including: a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78 with a collar 113 made as a polygonal prism or a cylindrical collar 113 having at least a secant flat surface 114 formed thereon, a first bit device 22 mounted in either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, and a sleeve member 131 having a hollow bore portion centrally formed in the sleeve member 131, having a mounting cavity 132 formed on a proximal end of the sleeve member 131 concentrically detachably secured to the cylindrical collar 113 having at least a secant flat surface 114 formed thereon of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, and having a second bit device 36 detachably mounted on a distal end of the sleeve member 131, whereby upon coupling of the sleeve member 131 secured with the second bit device 36 on the cylindrical collar 113 having at least a secant flat surface 114 formed thereon of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, the hollow sleeve member 131 of the attachment 10 will encase the first bit device 22 previously mounted in the rotatable keyed chuck 112, the rotatable keyless chuck 16, the rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or the rotatable adapter 78 without first dismantling the first bit device 22 for convenient replaceable uses of the first bit device 22.

[0177] The rotatable keyed chuck 112, the rotatable keyless chuck 16, the rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or the rotatable adapter 78 have at least a secant flat surface 114 longitudinally formed on a circumferential surface of the collar 113 generally cylindrical shaped or polygonal shaped, and at least a ball recess 135 for engagement with the resilient ball 115 of the attachment 10 of the present invention open and on the collar for frictionally retaining the attachment. The ball recess 135 is. recessed in the collar 113 especially in the secant flat surface 114 of the collar 113, and is at least partially open and outwardly.

[0178] The attachment 10 includes a sleeve member 131 having a hollow bore portion longitudinally formed in the sleeve member 131 for encasing the first bit device 22 in the hollow bore portion, a 15 mounting cavity 132 formed on a proximal end of the sleeve member 131 and having a mounting socket 133 recessed in the mounting cavity 132 for coupling the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78. Also a resilient ball 115 recessed in the mounting socket 133 of the mounting cavity 132 of the attachment 10 and resiliently engaging the ball recess 135 on the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78. The resilient ball 115 is retained in a spring socket 152 which is part or all of the mounting socket 133 of the mounting cavity 132 of the attachment 10, and a tension spring .151 normally urging the ball 115 inwardly. Also a second bit securement mechanism 136 formed on a distal end of the sleeve member 131 opposite to the mounting adapter 132 which can have a driving socket 137 generally polygonal (such as hexagonal) shaped and recessed in and being part of the securement mechanism 136 that can hold a second bit device for rotatably driving a fastener 38.

[0179] The mounting socket 133 that retains the resilient ball 115 in the mounting cavity 132 of the attachment 10 may be formed in a flat surface 134 on an inside wall of the mounting socket 133 to be engageable with the collar 113 having a secant flat surface 114 longitudinally formed on the collar 113 which is generally cylindrical shaped, for example, as shown in FIG. 53.

[0180] The mounting socket 133 in the mounting adapter 132 of the attachment 10 may also be formed with polygonal inside walls in the mounting socket 133 for engaging a polygonal prism such as a triangular prism as shown in FIG. 54 of the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, for coupling the mounting cavity 132 of the attachment mechanism 10 onto the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78.

[0181] When using the power tool 5 with either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78 of the present invention for rotatably operating the attachment 10 which may be operating as a screw driver, the attachment 10 may be inserted with a second bit device 36 such as a Phillip's tip, as shown in some of the drawing figures, it can have a driving socket 137 on a distal end or an outer end of the sleeve member 131 and the attachment 10 is coupled to either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, by engaging the mounting adapter 132, which is formed on the proximal or inner end of the sleeve member 131, with the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78. The mounting cavity 132 is easily coupled to the collar 113 of either a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78, without requiring any removal of the first bit device 22 from either the rotatable keyed chuck 112, rotatable keyless chuck 16, the rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or the rotatable adapter 78. The ball recess 135 will be resiliently engaged with the resilient ball 115 in the mounting socket 133 on the flat surface 134 in the mounting adapter 132 to stably retain the attachment 10 on the rotatable keyed chuck 112, the rotatable keyless chuck 16 or the rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84 mounted in the power tool 5, or the rotatable adapter 78 mounted therewithin a rotatable chuck mounted in a power tool 5.

[0182] The present invention provides a uniquely improved bit holding apparatus which is particularly usable for alternately drilling pilot holes and driving fasteners 38 therein. It can also be implemented for use of many other different combinations of bit devices such as drilling and drilling, driving and drilling or driving and driving. Alternating usage of the two held bit devices 22 and 36 is achieved by alternately mounting the attachment 10 for allowing operation of the second bit device 36 and alternately removing the attachment 10 for allowing use of the first bit device 22.

[0183] The present invention provides many very significant designs, it has universal usage with respect to updated power tool attachments such as keyless rotatable chucks 16 and set screw mandrel chucks 84. As such, the present invention further defines the use of an adapter 78 detachably securable with respect to the rotatable chuck of a power tool 5 directly or with respect to the rotatable keyless chuck 16 to provide a means for mounting of various different bit devices 22 therewithin while at the same time also providing the rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 therein. The inclusion of the rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 will facilitate the rapid mounting and dismounting of the attachment 10 with respect to adapter 78 for allowing the driving of individual fasteners 38 into pilot holes immediately after each hole is individually drilled. This is just one of many possible manners of usage of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0184] The attachment device 10 of the present invention preferably also defines a forward sleeve member 131 which is designed to receive and retain a second bit device 36 secured thereto by a forward bit securement means. Often this second bit device will be a fastener driving means such as a hex, square or slotted screw driving bit. To facilitate the forward bit securement means retaining of a second bit device 36 therein, a hole means will preferably be defined therein usually with a hexagonal cross-section. This hexagonal cross-section will facilitate securement of various second bit devices 36 such as fastener driving devices with hexagonal driving shafts integrally formed therewith or attached thereto. Also a magnet for retaining the second bit device 36 with respect to the forward end of the forward sleeve member 131 may also be included in various configurations. Many second bit devices 36 can easily be secured detachably to the forward end of the forward sleeve member 131 when used with the hexagonal shaped mounting holes adapted to receive them. The attachment devices 10 of the present invention preferably can also include set screws for further maintaining detachable securement therewith of the second bit devices 36. Also set screws 80 can be utilized as shown in FIG. 67 to retain the first bit devices 22 with respect to an embodiment of the adapter 78 or a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84 provided as a part of the present invention. Such set screw bit retaining devices are usable with respect to various configurations of set screw mandrel chucks 84 and adapters as shown in the various FIGS. included herein.

[0185] An intermediate cavity may be included in the shank. The intermediate cavity can be part of the housing and can be integrally made as one piece or from more than one piece of material. This intermediate cavity will preferably be positioned in between the mounting cavity 132 and the forward sleeve member 131. The purpose of the intermediate cavity of the shank 96 is to allow the keyed chuck 112, keyless chuck 16, set screw mandrel chuck 84, or adapter 78 to be capable of receiving those first bit devices 22 which are larger than standard twist drill bits, particularly those devices which are larger in diameter. Such first bit devices 22 may include larger bits such as countersinking devices integral therewith, drill bits with self-centering guided enclosures or devices therearound, drill bits with collet adapters or drill bits with hex-shaped drive shanks. All of these bits are generally slightly larger in diameter than conventional round twist drill bits. Furthermore the intermediate cavity will more readily receive nut, nut setter or nut head driver bits or other similar bits which are usually significantly larger in diameter than standard twist drill bits themselves.

[0186] Another aspect of the present invention is the optional inclusion of a system including a guide sleeve 66. This configuration is shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 as an add-on device positional around the forward sleeve member 131 of the attachment device 10. The guide sleeve 66 is initially oriented in the retracted storage position 68 as shown in FIG. 55 but is movable to the extended operative position 70 shown in FIG. 56 where it will be in surrounding engagement with respect to a second bit device 36 to facilitate use thereof. In this manner, for example, driving of fasteners into a substrate or other workpiece by a second bit device 36 which can be a fastener driving bit device is greatly facilitated because the alignment of securement between the fastener driving bit 36 and the fastener 38 is properly maintained. The guide sleeve 66 is preferably telescopingly movable with respect to the portion of the housing which defines therewithin the forward sleeve member 131.

[0187] An important characteristic of the present invention is that the bit holding apparatus includes a number of significant improvements over the prior art which was designed to be used with a key operated chuck directly mounted on a drill. Such devices were once commonly used but in current times keyless chucks have become much more popular. As such, the present invention can also include, as a component thereof, a keyless chuck 16, a set screw mandrel chuck 84, or an adapter 78 with a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein as shown best in FIGS. 86 and 90. FIG. 86 shows the single sleeve keyless chuck and FIG. 87 shows the double sleeve keyless chuck, each of which includes the rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein. When this keyless chuck 16 or set screw mandrel chuck 84 with a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 is provided as a component or added item to the present invention, the original equipment chuck from a power tool such as a drill or impact wrench could be removed and replaced thereby. Alternatively, the provided rotatable keyless chuck 16 or rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84 with a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 can replace the original equipment chuck or an adapter member 78 can be mounted in the original equipment chuck as shown best in numerous figures, particularly see FIG. 88, 89, and 90. These three figures show an adapter 78 positioned within a single sleeve keyless chuck wherein each of the adapters has a different configuration, however each of which commonly defines a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein. Thus, it should be appreciated that for the purposes of the present invention many of the chucks with rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 can be also used as adapters 78 and many adapters 78 can also be used as chucks having rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135.

[0188] For the purposes of this invention the only difference between an adapter 78 and a chuck is that a chuck is mounted directly into the power tool 5 itself where as the adapter is mounted into into some other chucking device which itself is mounted in the power tool 5. Thus, an adapter 78 can be mounted in any type of mated chuck in order to provide a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein that can mate with the mounting cavity 132 of an attachment 10 made in accordance with the present invention. That chuck within which the adapter 78 is mounted can be original equipment or a device provided in the accordance and along with the parts of the present invention or as a part optionally included in the apparatus of the present invention.

[0189] Another manner of attaching the first bit devices 22 with respect to the rotatable chuck or the adapter 78 is the use of a set screw 80 as shown in FIG. 72. In this design set screw 80 provides a set screw first bit retaining means. While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0190] While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The appended claims should be construed broadly to encompass other variants and embodiments that may be constructed by those of ordinary skill in the art within the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.