Multi-bit screwdriver

A multi-bit screwdriver comprising:

• two or more bits, each of the two or more bits defining a base portion and a head portion, the base portion defining at least one surface extending longitudinally along the base portion, the head portion being configured for engaging a fastener;
• one or more cartridges, each cartridge defining a respective cavity of one or more cavities for receiving a respective bit of the two or more bits, each cartridge further defining a slot;
• a handle defining two or more radially extending cells for receiving the one or more cartridges, and defining a passageway extending longitudinally along the center of the handle to an opening defined in an external surface of the handle;
• two or more spring stops, each of the two or more spring stops being interposed on the handle between two adjacent cells of the two or more radially extending cells;
• one or more cartridge springs, each of the one or more cartridge springs extending through a slot of a respective cartridge of the one or more cartridges and being positioned and restrained between two adjacent spring stops of the two or more spring stops, each cartridge spring of the one or more cartridge springs being sized to bow between the two spring stops and bias each of the one or more cartridges in a first position in the two or more radially extending cells wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the two or more radially extending cells wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway;
• a tubular shaft extending from the handle, the shaft defining a proximate end proximate to the handle and a distal end distal from the handle, the shaft including a barrel and a sleeve slidably fitted about the barrel, the barrel defining a hollow cylindrical space aligned with the passageway of the handle for facilitating sliding of a bit along the hollow cylindrical space of the barrel, the barrel including at least one land extending longitudinally along the interior of the cylindrical space, the at least one land corresponding to the at least one flat surface of the base portion of a bit, the land being narrow in cross-section at the proximate end of the shaft and continually expanding in breadth toward the distal end of the shaft;
• at least one cut-out defined at the distal end of the barrel;
• at least one leaf spring defining a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the barrel;
• at least one locking block attached to the second end of the leaf spring, the at least one locking block being aligned for insertion in the at least one cut-out;
• a coil spring positioned between the handle and the sleeve for biasing the sleeve in a distal position away from the handle;
• wherein, when the sleeve is in the distal position and a bit is positioned in the distal end of the shaft, the leaf spring biases the at least one locking block into the at least one cutout against the base portion of the bit to lock the bit in the distal end of the barrel;
• and wherein, when the sleeve is moved toward the handle, away from the distal position, and a bit is positioned in the distal end of the shaft, the leaf spring allows the at least one locking block to moves away from the at least one cutout and away from the base portion of the bit.