Patent ID: 7610834

Claim:
A tool holder assembly, comprising: a tool holder including a shank with a key slot forming a first surface and a second, opposing surface, the first surface including an angled portion forming a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool holder assembly; and a clamping mechanism for releasably securing the tool holder, the clamping mechanism comprising: a support block including a bore extending along the longitudinal axis for receiving the shank of the tool holder; and a key disposed within the support block, the key formed by a first side wall and a second, opposing side wall, wherein an abutment surface located along the first side wall of the key contacts the angular portion of the key slot to cause the key slot to undergo elastic deformation and allow simultaneous contact between the abutment surface and the angular portion of the key slot and the second side wall of the key and the second surface of the key slot, thereby providing for an interference fit key arrangement between the tool holder and the clamping mechanism when the tool holder assembly is placed in the locked position.