Articulation lock and pivotable tool using same

An articulation lock comprising:

• a first housing;
• a second housing;
• a lockable connection assembly for pivotably connecting said first housing and said second housing together, wherein said lockable connection assembly includes:
• a shaft connected to said second housing and being configured and arranged for allowing rotation of said first housing with respect to said second housing;
• a plurality of apertures arranged upon a portion of said second housing;
• an indexing plate fixed for rotation with said second housing, and including a plurality of indexing apertures, with one of said indexing apertures corresponding to each of said plurality of apertures on said second housing;
• at least two lock pins, each of said lock pins seated within a cavity located within said first housing;
• a biasing element seated within each of said cavities, each of said biasing elements for creating a biasing force upon one of said lock pins such that each of said lock pins are biased to extend through one of said indexing apertures, thereby preventing relative rotation of said first housing with respect to said second housing;
• and
• an engaging member attached to said second housing, said engaging member including a plurality of protrusions, with one of said protrusions corresponding to each of said indexing apertures;
• wherein upon pressing said engaging member towards said lock pins, at least two of said plurality of protrusions push said at least two lock pins against said biasing force of said at least one biasing element, such that said lock pins are withdrawn from said indexing apertures, allowing relative rotation of said first housing with respect to said second housing.

A pivotable tool comprising:

• a motor housing;
• a handle housing;
• a lockable connection assembly for pivotably connecting said motor housing and said handle housing together, wherein said lockable connection assembly includes:
• a plurality of apertures arranged upon a portion of said handle housing;
• at least two lock pins, each of said lock pins seated within a cavity located within said motor housing;
• at least one biasing element for creating a biasing force upon each of said lock pins such that each of said lock pins are biased toward said handle housing to prevent relative rotation of said motor housing with respect to said handle housing;
• and
• an engaging member attached to said handle housing, said engaging member including a plurality of protrusions, with one of said protrusions corresponding to each of said apertures in said handle housing;
• wherein upon pressing said engaging member towards said lock pins, at least two of said plurality of protrusions push said at least two lock pins against said biasing force of said at least one biasing element, allowing relative rotation of said first housing with respect to said second housing.