Patent ID: 7156003

Claim:
An indexing mechanism for an indexable tool, the tool having a tool handle joined to a tool member with the indexing mechanism being adapted to enable indexing the tool member and the tool handle to selected positions, the indexing mechanism comprising: a) a first splined orifice having a first splined section on its inner surface and having a width less than the length of the first orifice and positioned on a first end of the first splined orifice; b) a second splined orifice having a second splined section on its inner surface and having a width less than the length of the second orifice and positioned on a first end of the second orifice; c) a third splined orifice having splines on its inner surface and being positioned between the first orifice and the second orifice; d) a splined pin assembly positioned in the third splined orifice to engage the splines on the inside surface of the third orifice and the splined sections of the first and second orifices when in an engaged position and to disengage from the splined sections of a first and second orifices when in the released position, the splined pin assembly comprising; 1) a splined pin having a first end and a second end, a first splined section and a second splined section separated by a first track and a plurality of extension arms on its second end, an outside of the extension arms forming a second track surface around the outside of the splined pin to form a second track around the splined pin; 2) an alignment member having a plurality of extended arms positioned to matingly engage the extension arms on the second end of the splined pin and having a connector receptacle; 3) a spring positioned in the splined pin; 4) a first end cap having on it's inside an extension slideably connected to the alignment member; 5) a second end cap having an inside, a lip on its inside, an extension adapted to engage the spring so that the spring is in compression between the second end cap and the splined pin and a opening in the second end cap for a connector connecting the second end cap to the alignment member; and, 6) a connector connecting the second end cap to the alignment member wherein the first splined section is urged into the first track and the second splined section is urged into the second track when the first end cap is moved toward the second end cap to release the indexing mechanism, release of the first end cap returns the indexing mechanism to its engaged position.