US 5,062,749 A · Tool coupler

Abstract

A tool coupler is provided, comprising an elongated body having upper and lower ends and further including a non-circular first axial bore extending at least partially through the body from the upper end toward the lower end, a flange extending radially from the body, and at least one radial bore communicating between the first axial bore and the exterior of the body, the radial bore being located just above the flange. A collar is positioned around the body, the collar having upper and lower ends, an inner wall and an outer wall, and an annular retaining flange extending radially from the inner wall, the retaining flange being alignable with the radial bore. A cap is positioned in the collar, the cap having an upper surface, an annular outer surface facing the inner surface of the collar, an annular lower surface, the cap further including an axial opening at least as large as and aligned with the first axial bore in the body. A first spring is positioned between the cap and the annular flange of the collar, urging the cap against the upper end of the collar. At least one ball is positioned in the radial bore, the ball having a greater length than the radial bore such that when the retaining flange of the collar is aligned with the radial bore, the ball is urged at least partially into the first axial bore to grip a tool shank.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A tool coupler, comprising:

a. an elongated body having an upper end, a lower end, a first axial bore having a non-circular cross-section, said first axial bore extending at least partially through said body from said upper end toward said lower end, and at least one radial bore extending from said first axial bore to the exterior of said body;
b. a collar, positioned around said body and having an upper end, a lower end, an inner wall, an outer wall, an outer wall and an annular retaining flange extending radially from said inner wall, said retaining flange being alignable with said radial bore;
c. a means for gripping a tool shank, positioned in said radial bore and having a greater length than said radial bore such that when said retaining flange of said collar is aligned with said radial bore, said means for gripping a tool shank is urged at least partially into said radial bore;
d. a means for retaining said collar in position around said body, connected to said collar and said body;
e. a cap, positioned in said collar, said cap having an upper surface, an outer surface facing said inner wall of said collar, a lower surface and an axial opening at least as large as said aligned with said first axial bore of said body;
f. a first resilient means, positioned between said cap and said retaining flange of said collar, for urging axial separation between said retaining flange and said cap;
and
g. a means, connected to said upper end of said collar, for retaining said cap within said collar.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tool coupler

Life of this patent

Tool coupler

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15