Patent ID: 6364033
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B25F

Abstract:
A locking mechanism for adjustably positioning opposing housing members of a portable electric tool which are pivotally connected to one another along a pivot axis, the locking mechanism comprising:a first housing member including a channel formed adjacent a proximal end, the channel being spaced apart from the pivot axis; a second housing member pivotally connected to the first housing member rotatably adjustable about the pivot axis between a first position and at least one second position, the first and second housing cooperating along a common plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, wherein the second housing member includes a plurality of apertures formed through a proximal end alignable with the channel in the first housing member to form a passage therebetween; a spring disposed within the channel of the first housing member; a pin biased against the spring shiftable in the passage between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a locking member disposed adjacent the plurality of apertures in the second housing member, the locking member including at least one projection extending through one of the plurality of apertures to selectively position the pin in the passage relative to the common plane, wherein the locking member engages an upper end of pin to position the pin between the locked position wherein the pin extends through this common plane and cooperates with both the channel and aperture to lock the first housing member relative to the second housing member and the unlocked position wherein the upper end of the pin is positioned below the common mating plane allowing first housing member to rotate relative to the second housing member about the pivot axis.