Patent ID: 7380889
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: E21C

Abstract:
1. A retainer system for a cutting tool having an elongated shank, the retainer system comprising: a tool holder block having a sleeve-receiving hole therethrough; a sleeve removably received in the sleeve-receiving hole in the tool holder block, the sleeve having a shank-receiving hole and first and second undercut portions therein; and a retainer having a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion defining a shank-receiving opening therebetween, said first retainer portion further having a first sleeve engaging portion corresponding to said first undercut portion in said sleeve for selective engagement therewith and said second retainer portion further having a second sleeve engaging portion corresponding to said second undercut portion in the sleeve for selective retaining engagement therewith, and wherein the first and second retainer portions retainingly engage a portion of the elongated shank of the cutting tool when inserted into the shank-receiving opening therebetween, the retainer having an exposed first free end and an exposed second free end such that each said first and second free end protrudes outwardly from said sleeve to be accessible from the exterior of said sleeve and said tool holder block, and such that application of a first force directly to the first free end and application of a second force directly to the second free end moves the first and second retainer portions out of biasing engagement with the cutting tool shank without disengaging said retainer from retaining engagement with said sleeve the retainer retains the sleeve within the tool holder block.