Patent ID: 7316529

Claim:
A router bit system, comprising: a bit including a cutting head and a shank, the shank having an annular groove formed therein; and a router bit holding assembly including: a chuck having a bore with a generally cylindrical portion for receiving the shank, the chuck having an opening radially formed in the generally cylindrical portion of the bore; a ball received in the opening for engaging the annular groove of the shank when the shank is received in the bore; a collar concentrically disposed about the chuck, the collar sliding axially between a first position and a second position, wherein when the collar is moved to the first position the collar is configured to hold the ball in engagement with the annular groove and when the collar is moved to the second position the collar is configured to allow the ball to be disengaged from the annular groove, wherein the collar comprises an internal annular tapered groove for biasing the ball inwardly within the opening in the chuck when the collar is moved to the first position.