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US 12,703,069 B2Granted
Tool with pivoting portion and locking mechanism
AssigneeMilwaukee Electronic Tool Corporation
InventorsParker E. Tibbs, Devin W. Herritz, Brandon A. Apostal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tool with a pivoting head is shown. The tool includes a locking mechanism that allows the angular position of the head to be locked securely in place once selected by a user. In a specific embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking channel positioned in a generally parallel orientation to the axis of rotation of the pivoting head. In a specific embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a biasing component positioned in a generally parallel orientation to the axis of rotation of the pivoting head. The locking mechanism may be used with a variety of tools, such as ratchet wrenches, that allow for repositioning of the head relative to the handle of the tool.
Claims19
A driving tool, comprising:
- a handle comprising:
- a first flange comprising an inward facing surface;
- a first recess defined in the inward facing surface;
- and
- a second recess defined in the inward facing surface, wherein the first recess is positioned between the second recess and the head;
- a second flange;
- and
- a cavity positioned between the first flange and the second flange;
- a head, the head including a toothed projection extending toward the handle;
- a workpiece engagement structure coupled to the head;
- a ratchet mechanism supported by the head and coupled to the workpiece engagement structure;
- a pivot joint positioned between the handle and the head, the pivot joint comprising:
- an axle extending along a pivot axis, the axle rotatably coupling the head to the handle such that the head is pivotable about the pivot joint to a plurality of angular positions relative to the handle;
- and
- a locking mechanism positioned within the cavity, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a sliding switch positioned within the cavity, the sliding switch comprising:
- an actuating surface extending outward from the handle and configured to be engaged by a user's finger;
- and
- a plurality of teeth facing the toothed projection of the head;
- a biasing component extending in a generally parallel orientation to the pivot axis, the biasing component resisting movement of the sliding switch;
- and
- a ball positioned between the biasing component and the inward facing surface of the first flange;
- wherein the locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position in which the angular position of the head relative to the handle is fixed and an unlocked position in which the head is pivotable about the pivot joint.
20 more elements
A driving tool comprising:
- a handle comprising:
- a first flange;
- a second flange;
- an inward facing surface of the handle positioned on one of the first flange and the second flange;
- a first recess and a second recess positioned on the inward facing surface;
- and
- a cavity positioned between the first flange and the second flange;
- a head, the head including a toothed projection extending toward the handle;
- a workpiece engagement structure coupled to the head;
- a pivot joint positioned between the handle and the head to rotatably couple the head to the handle such that the head is pivotable about the pivot joint to a plurality of angular positions relative to the handle;
- a pivot axis extending through the pivot joint, the pivot axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle;
- and
- a locking mechanism positioned within the cavity, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a switch positioned within the cavity, the switch comprising:
- a first actuator extending outward from the handle and configured to be engaged by a user's finger;
- and
- a plurality of teeth facing the toothed projection of the head;
- a biasing component extending in a generally perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the biasing component resisting movement of the switch;
- and
- a ball positioned between the biasing component and the inward facing surface of one of the first flange and the second flange;
- wherein, when the switch is actuated, the switch is translated along the longitudinal axis of the handle;
- wherein, when the switch is actuated toward the head, the biasing component is compressed such that the switch is moveable until the plurality of teeth engage the toothed projection of the head.
19 more elements
A driving tool comprising:
- a handle comprising:
- a first flange;
- a second flange;
- and
- a cavity positioned between the first flange and the second flange;
- a head, the head including a toothed projection extending toward the handle;
- a workpiece engagement structure coupled to the head;
- a pivot joint positioned between the handle and the head to rotatably couple the head to the handle such that the head is pivotable about the pivot joint to a plurality of angular positions relative to the handle;
- a pivot axis extending through the pivot joint, the pivot axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle;
- and
- a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a switch, the switch comprising:
- an actuator extending outward from the handle and configured to be engaged by a user's finger;
- and
- a body portion coupled to the actuator, the body portion comprising:
- an upward facing surface, the upward facing surface facing toward the head;
- a downward facing surface, the downward facing surface facing toward the handle;
- a plurality of teeth on the upward facing surface of the body portion, the plurality of teeth extending toward the toothed projection of the head;
- and
- a locking channel defined in an outermost side surface of the body portion, the locking channel extending in a generally parallel orientation to the pivot axis;
- a biasing component positioned in the locking channel and configured to resists movement of the switch;
- and
- a ball positioned between the biasing component and an inward facing surface of the handle;
- wherein, when the switch is actuated, the switch is translated along the longitudinal axis of the handle.
21 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.