Patent ID: 8608414

Claim:
A bi-directional quick change tool-less chuck comprising: a collet defining a central axis; a main body aligned with the central axis and configured to rotate about the central axis; a first lever pivotably connected to the main body and including a first effort arm and a first resistance arm extending along the central axis; a wedge movable between a first position whereat the first effort arm is at a first effort arm location and a second position whereat the wedge operably contacts the first effort arm to maintain the first effort arm at a second effort arm location, the second effort arm location farther from the central axis than the first effort arm location, such that movement of the wedge from the first position to the second position forces the first effort arm away from the central axis thereby forcing the first resistance arm into contact with the collet; a release sleeve operably contacting the wedge such that movement of the release sleeve from a third position to a fourth position forces the wedge to move from the second position to the first position wherein the release sleeve includes a pair of fingers operably contacting the wedge; and a longitudinal slot on the main body that mates with the pair of fingers of the release sleeve to prevent a rotation of the release sleeve.