Automatic Tool-Bit Holder
AssigneeInsty-Bit, LLC
InventorJames L. Wienhold
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tool-bit holder has a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof. A longitudinally moveable member extends through a slot in the hub and radially into the bore. The circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.
Claims35
In a tool-bit holder of the type having a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof, the improvement which comprises:
- a longitudinally moveable member that extends through a slot in the hub and radially into the bore, wherein the circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.
In a tool-bit holder of the type having a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof, the improvement which comprises:
- a longitudinally moveable member that extends radially into the bore only to an extent sufficient to be engaged by a radially outwardly extending edge between portions of the tool-bit when the tool-bit is inserted in the bore, wherein the circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.
24-32. (canceled)
A tool-bit holder comprising:
- a hub for receiving a tool-bit within an axial bore thereof;
- a sleeve longitudinally moveable along the hub;
- an inner ring within the sleeve, wherein the inner ring is longitudinally moveable relative to the sleeve and relative to the hub;
- at least one ball disposed between the sleeve and the hub and adapted to radially engage the tool-bit;
- a moveable member extending radially into the bore through a longitudinal slot in the hub, wherein proximal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub causes proximal movement of the inner ring;
- an inner ring spring biasing apart the sleeve and the hub;
- and
- a sleeve spring biasing apart the inner ring and the sleeve wherein, upon insertion of the tool-bit into the bore to engage the moveable member, the inner ring, inner ring spring, sleeve spring and sleeve cooperate to urge the ball against the tool-bit.
(canceled)
A method comprising:
- inserting a tool-bit into a distal opening of a longitudinally extending bore in a hub, wherein the hub has a distal end and a proximal end;
- engaging a longitudinally moveable proximal member with a portion of the tool-bit, whereby the proximal member moves proximally along a longitudinally extending slot in the hub adjacent the bore;
- moving a sleeve disposed about the hub proximally as a function of the proximal movement of the proximal member;
- and
- urging one or more distal detent balls radially inwardly into the bore, as a function of the proximal movement of the sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.