Patent ID: 7631853

Claim:
A hand tool comprising: a tool head having a claw, said tool head defining an elongated socket with a bottom; an elongated handle coupled to said tool head; said tool head having a plane of motion generally defined by a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of said handle and a centerline of said claw; a plunger assembly having an elongated body with a top end, a bottom end and a locking assembly; said plunger assembly body movably disposed in said socket, said plunger assembly body structured to move between a first, withdrawn position, wherein said plunger assembly body is substantially disposed within said socket, and a second, extended position, wherein said plunger assembly body extends from said socket; said locking assembly having a catch assembly with a release actuator, said release actuator movable in a direction generally perpendicular to said tool head plane of motion, said locking assembly structured to maintain said plunger assembly body in a selected position; said plunger catch assembly has a lateral bore in said tool head and a catch member; said release actuator being disposed in said lateral bore; said lateral bore disposed adjacent to said socket and having a common passage therewith; said catch member disposed within said bore and structured to selectively engage said plunger assembly body; and said release actuator substantially disposed in said lateral bore and structured to move within said bore between a first position, wherein said catch member is biased to engage said plunger assembly body, and a second position, wherein said catch member is not biased to engage said plunger assembly body.