Retractable tool bit having latch type catch mechanism
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorGeorge Voellmer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A retractable tool bit assembly for a tool such as an allen key. The assembly includes one or more spring loaded nestable or telescoping tubular sections together with a catch mechanism for capturing and holding the tool in its retracted position. The catch mechanism consists of a latch mechanism located in a base section and which engages a conically shaped tool head located at the inner end of the tool. The tool head adjoins an eccentric oval type neck portion which extends to a rear lip of the tool head. The latch mechanism releases when the ovular neck portion rotates about the catch members upon actuation of a rotary tool drive motor. When released, all the telescoping sections and the tool extends fully outward to a use position.
Claims16
A retractable tool bit assembly comprising:
- at least one rotatable outwardly protruding tool bit holder section;
- an elongated spring biased tool mounted for axial movement in and out of said holder section and having an inwardly retracted parked position and an outwardly extended use position, said tool further including an inner end having a grippable tool head thereat;
- a hook type catch mechanism located adjacent the holder section and including means for engaging said tool head when said tool is moved to said parked position,
- said tool further having an eccentric ovular neck portion adjacent the tool head for releasing the tool head from the catch mechanism when said tool is rotated, whereupon said spring biased tool extends fully outward to said use position.
A retractable tool bit assembly comprising:
- a rotatable outwardly protruding base section;
- at least one coaxial spring biased telescoping extension section mounted for axial movement in and out of said base section;
- an elongated spring biased tool mounted for axial movement in and out of said extension section and having an inwardly retracted parked position and an outwardly extended use position, said tool having an adjacent eccentric ovular neck portion further including a grippable tool head at the inner end thereof;
- a hook type catch mechanism located adjacent the base section and including means for engaging said tool head when said telescoping extension section and said tool are moved to said parked position,
- said tool further having an eccentric ovular neck portion adjacent the tool head for releasing the tool head from the catch mechanism upon rotational movement of said tool, whereupon said spring biased tool extends fully outward to said use position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.