Patent ID: 6394715
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B23B,B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
A tool holder for releasably coupling a bit with a non-circular outer connector surface to a rotary driver, comprising:a socket having a forward end and an opening extending rearwardly from said forward end, said opening having a non-circular cross section adapted to receive the outer connector surface of the bit to couple the bit for rotation with the socket; and a retaining mechanism coupled to said socket and operable in a retaining mode and a released mode, said retaining mechanism having a rubber o-ring, said retaining mechanism adapted to permit disposal of the bit into an operative position within the opening and to prevent axial displacement of the bit out of its operative position when the retaining mechanism is in its retaining mode, said rubber o-ring biasing said retaining mechanism into its retaining mode, said retaining mechanism further adapted to permit axial displacement of the bit out of its operative position when the retaining mechanism is in its released mode, said retaining mechanism including a sleeve and a spring, said sleeve coupled to said socket for displacement toward said forward end of said socket from a locked position to an unlocked position to move said retaining mechanism from said retaining mode to said released mode, said spring biasing said sleeve into its locked position.