# US 2014/0360321 A1 · Tool locking mechanism > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0360321 A1 - Document ID: US20140360321A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/466,069 - Filed: 2014-08-22 - Published: 2014-12-11 - Earliest claimed: 2007-10-30 - Assignees: Apex Brands, Inc. - Applicants: Apex Brands, Inc. - Inventors: Paul Steinweg; Hsien-Chung Tuan-Mu - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140360321A1 ## CPC - B25B 23/0007: {Connections or joints between tool parts} - B25B 13/46: of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle - B25B 23/0035: {Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool} - B25G 3/12: Locking and securing devices - B25G 3/28: comprising wedges, keys, or like expanding means - F16D 1/108: having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling - Y10T 279/32: Means to prevent jaw loosening - Y10T 403/592: Ball detent - Y10T 403/7005: Lugged member, rotary engagement - Y10T 403/7026: Longitudinally splined or fluted rod - Y10T 403/7033: including a lock or retainer - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - B25G: HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS (attaching the blades or the like to handles of hand tools for soil working A01B1/22; handles of hand implements for harvesting A01D1/14; handles integral with brushware A46B) - F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## 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 ### Claim 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, at least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool, and a bore formed in the opposite second end transverse to the central axis; b. a cap rotatably received on the opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon and a recess formed in a bottom surface facing the tool; c. a pin positioned in the cap bottom surface recess; d. a spring disposed in the opposite second end transverse bore, the spring being operatively connected to the cap and at least one end of the pin, wherein the cap is rotatable between a first position in which the at least one cap recess aligns with the at least one tool axial recess, and a second position in which the at least one cap recess is out of alignment with the at least one tool axial recess, and the pin is biased by the spring outwardly into the cap bottom surface recess. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of detent recesses formed in the bottom surface of the cap; and a ball disposed in the opposite second end transverse bore opposite the pin, wherein the ball is selectively received in one of the pair of detent recesses. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one cap recess further comprises a plurality of cap recess, the at least one cap bottom surface recess further comprises a plurality of cap bottom surface recesses, and the number of recesses in the plurality of cap recesses is equal to the number of the axial recess in the tool plurality of axial recesses. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a driver defining a bore, the bore including at least one of inwardly depending rib that is slidably received by the at least one tool axial recess. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The locking mechanism of claim 3, wherein the number of ribs is equal to the number of tool axial recesses. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cap is rotatably secured to the tool by a ring. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, the cap comprising knurling formed on an outer surface thereon. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first working end defines a polygonal opening therein for engaging a work piece. ### Claim 9 A tool assembly, comprising: a. a driver defining a bore, the bore including at least one inwardly depending rib; b. a tool having, a first working end, an opposite second end that is received through the bore defined by the driver, a central axis extending between the first working end and the opposite second end, at least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool, and a bore formed in the opposite second end transverse to the central axis; c. a cap rotatably received on the opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an annular outer surface thereon and at least one recess formed in a bottom surface facing the tool, d. a pin positioned in the opposite second end transverse bore and the cap bottom surface recess; and e. a spring disposed in the cap bottom surface recess, the spring being operatively connected to the cap and at least one end of the pin, wherein the cap is rotatable between a first position in which the at least one cap recess aligns with the at least one tool axial recess, and a second position in which the at least one cap recess is out of alignment with the at least one tool axial recess. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9, wherein the cap is biased by the spring into the second position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9 wherein the cap extends beyond a top surface of the driver when the opposite second end is received through the bore of the driver such that the cap. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9, wherein the number of cap recesses is equal to the number of the tool axial recesses. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9, wherein the number of ribs is equal to the number of cap recesses. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9, wherein the cap is rotatable secured to the tool by a ring. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9) The locking mechanism of claim 9, wherein the first working end defines a polygonal opening therein for engaging a work piece.