Patent ID: 6139359
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A battery-powered tool comprising:a tool housing having a first coupling portion,a battery pack housing having a second coupling portion mateably engageable with the first coupling portion for removably mounting the battery pack housing on the tool housing,a first retaining structure including a cam shoulder on one of said coupling portions, anda second resilient retaining structure including a split snap ring on the other of said coupling portions resiliently engageable with said cam shoulder for deforming said snap ring and permitting it to snap past said cam shoulder in response to substantially coaxial movement of said first and second coupling portions into engagement with each other for resiliently retaining the first and second coupling portions together in a use condition,said second retaining structure being yieldable in response to substantially coaxial forces applied to said first and second coupling portions in separating directions while in the use condition to disengage said first and second retaining structures and permit removal of said battery pack housing from said tool housing.