Patent ID: 6568693
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
A hand held tool, comprising:a handle; a ratcheting mechanism having an input member attached for rotation with said handle and an output member engageable with said input member in a first operating mode for rotation in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, in a second operating mode for ratchet rotation in a clockwise direction and in a third operating mode for ratcheting rotation in a counterclockwise direction; a quick release bit coupling device having a first end connected to said output member of said ratcheting mechanism and having a second end adapted for releasably engaging a drive bit, said quick release bit coupling device includes a body portion defining a bore adapted for receiving a drive bit and a release collar disposed about said body portion and biased by a spring to an engaged position for securing a retaining device in an engaged position, said release collar being movable to a release position for releasing said retaining device from said engaged position; and wherein said output member of said ratcheting mechanism is a ratchet gear and said input member of said ratcheting mechanism is a clutch chassis which slidably supports a pair of actuator members which are biased toward said ratchet gear by a pair of springs which are each received in a respective recess defined in an end portion of said handle.