# US 12,594,649 B2 · Tool bit > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,594,649 B2 - Document ID: US12594649B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/144,284 - Filed: 2023-05-08 - Published: 2023-11-09 - Granted: 2026-04-07 - Earliest claimed: 2022-05-06 - Assignees: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation - Applicants: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation - Inventors: Matthew J. Fiddes; Benjamin L. Miller; James J. Van Essen; Evan H. Fischer - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12594649B2 ## CPC - B25B 15/004: {characterised by cross-section} - B25B 23/0035: {Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool} - B25B 23/00: Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers (bolt tensioners B25B29/02) - B25B 15/005: {with cross- or star-shaped cross-section} - B25B 21/02: with means for imparting impact to screwdriver blade or nut socket - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING ## Abstract A tool bit including a drive portion having a first maximum outer dimension, a tip having a second maximum outer dimension, a shank extending between the drive portion and the tip, and a sleeve. The shank has a third maximum outer dimension that is less than first and second maximum outer dimensions. The sleeve extends from the drive portion to the tip and surrounds the shank. The sleeve engages a portion of the shank such that the sleeve is inhibited from moving relative to the shank. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tool bit comprising: a drive portion having a first maximum outer dimension; a tip having a second maximum outer dimension; a shank extending between the drive portion and the tip, the shank having a third maximum outer dimension that is less than first and second maximum outer dimensions; and a sleeve extending from the drive portion to the tip and surrounding the shank, the sleeve including a first end that abuts the drive portion and a second end that abuts the tip. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a raised portion, and wherein the raised portion has a maximum outer dimension that is equal to the first maximum outer dimension of the drive portion. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein a groove is formed in the sleeve adjacent the drive portion, and wherein the groove is configured to receive a coupling member from a power tool to couple the tool bit to the power tool. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a tapered portion, and wherein an outer dimension of the tapered portion decreases as the tapered portion extends toward the tip. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the shank is sized to absorb impact energy generated during use of the tool bit. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the shank is formed of a first material, and wherein the sleeve is formed of a second material that is softer than the first material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The tool bit of claim 6, wherein the shank is formed of metal and the sleeve is formed of a polymer. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is injection molded onto the shank. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the first maximum outer dimension of the drive portion and the second maximum outer dimension of the tip are equal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The tool bit of claim 1, wherein the third maximum outer dimension of the shank is between about 25% and 75% of the first maximum diameter of the drive portion. ### Claim 11 A tool bit comprising: a drive portion configured to be inserted into a power tool; a tip configured to engage a work piece; a shank extending between the drive portion and the tip; and a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the shank, the sleeve being injection molded around the at least a portion of the shank and engaging another feature of the tool bit such that the sleeve is inhibited from rotating relative to the shank. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The tool bit of claim 11, wherein the drive portion includes a retaining portion having a non-circular cross-section, and wherein the sleeve engages the retaining portion. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The tool bit of claim 12, wherein the non-circular cross-section is hex-shaped. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The tool bit of claim 11, wherein the tip includes a retaining portion having a non-circular cross-section, and wherein the sleeve engages the retaining portion. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The tool bit of claim 14, wherein the non-circular cross-section is hex-shaped. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The tool bit of claim 11, wherein the shank includes a plurality of grooves, and wherein the sleeve engages the plurality of grooves. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) The tool bit of claim 11, wherein the sleeve is injection molded onto the shank over an entire length of the shank such that the sleeve extends from the drive portion to the tip. ### Claim 18 A tool bit comprising: a drive portion configured to be inserted into a power tool; a tip configured to engage a work piece; a shank extending between the drive portion and the tip; and a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the shank, the sleeve including a groove adjacent the drive portion, the groove configured to receive a coupling member from the power tool. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The tool bit of claim 18, wherein the sleeve includes a tapered portion that reduces in diameter toward the tip. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The tool bit of claim 18, wherein the sleeve includes a raised portion adjacent the drive portion, and wherein the groove is located between the raised portion and the drive portion.