TOOL LOCKING MECHANISM

• US 20090107303A1
• Filed: 04/10/2008
• Published: 04/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apex Brands Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apex Brands Inc.
• Inventors: Steinweg, Paul, Tuan-Mu, Hsien-Chung
• Granted Patent: US 8,375,831 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 81/177.850
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/46 of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/0007 Connections or joints between tool parts
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/0035 Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/12 Locking and securing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/28 comprising wedges, keys, or like expanding means
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 1/108 having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 279/32 Means to prevent jaw loosening
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/592 Ball detent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7005 Lugged member, rotary engagement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7026 Longitudinally splined or fluted rod
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7033 including a lock or retainer

Abstract

A locking mechanism for use with a tool has a tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap is rotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recess aligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in which the cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at least one recess. The locking mechanism further comprises a detent operatively positioned between the tool and the cap. The detent may be a pin and a spring, where the spring biases the cap into the second position.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising:

a. a tool having,

a first working end,

an opposite second end,

a central axis therebetween, and

a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of said tool

b. a cap rotatably received on said opposite second end, said cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon;

wherein said cap is rotatable between

a first position in which said cap at least one recess aligns with said tool at least one recess, and

a second position in which said cap at least one recess is out of alignment with said tool at least one recess.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, said tool further comprising a plurality of recesses.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 2, said cap further comprising a plurality of recesses.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a detent operatively positioned between said tool and said cap.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 1, said detent further comprising a pin and a spring.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 4, said cap further comprising at least one recess that is operatively engaged by said detent.

7. The locking mechanism of claim 5, wherein said spring is placed intermediate said pin and said cap so that said cap is biased into said second position.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said cap is rotatably secured to said tool by a ring.

9. The locking mechanism of claim 1, said cap comprising knurling formed on an outer surface thereon.

10. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said tool first working end defines a polygonal opening therein for engaging a work piece.

11. The locking mechanism of claim 4, said detent further comprising a ball and a spring, where the ball and spring retain said cap in one of said first and said second positions.

12. A locking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising:

a. a tool having,

a first working end,

an opposite second end,

a central axis therebetween, and

a plurality of axial recesses formed on an outer surface of said tool;

b. a cap rotatably received on said opposite second end, said cap comprising a plurality of recesses formed on an outer surface thereon;

c. a detent positioned intermediate said cap and said tool opposite second end wherein said cap is rotatable between

a first position in which said plurality of cap recesses aligns with said plurality of tool recesses, and

a second position in which said plurality of cap recesses is out of alignment with said plurality of tool recesses.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 12, said detent further comprising a pin and a spring.

14. The locking mechanism of claim 13, said cap further comprising a first recess that is operatively engaged by said detent.

15. The locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein said spring is placed intermediate said pin and said cap so that said cap is biased into said second position.

16. The locking mechanism of claim 14, said cap further comprising a second recess formed in said cap and positioned with respect to said cap first recess so that said pin is received in said first and said second cap recesses.

17. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein said spring is operatively coupled to said cap and said pin thereby biasing said cap into said second position.

18. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tool first working end defines a polygonal opening therein for engaging a work piece.

19. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein said tool first working end defines a tang.

20. A locking mechanism for use with a tool, comprising:

a. a tool having,

a first working end,

an opposite second end,

a central axis therebetween,

a plurality of axial recesses formed on an outer surface of said tool, and

a bore formed in said opposite second end transverse to said central axis;

b. a cap rotatably received on said opposite second end, said cap comprising a plurality of recesses formed on an outer surface thereon and a recess formed in a bottom surface;

c. a pin positioned in said opposite second end transverse bore and said cap bottom surface recess;

d. a spring operatively connected to said cap and at least one end of said pin, wherein

said cap is rotatable between

a first position in which said plurality of cap recesses aligns with said plurality of tool recesses, and

a second position in which said plurality of cap recesses is out of alignment with said plurality of tool recesses, and

said cap is biased by said spring into said second position.