Tool retainer for a percussive, fluid-activated apparatus

In a percussive, fluid-activated apparatus having a fronthead and a collared working tool supported therein along a longitudinal fronthead axis, said tool for penetrating a work surface, a retainer for said tool comprising:

• a. a pair of spaced-apart support arms extending outwardly from said fronthead to a position alongside said longitudinal axis;
• b. latch means pivotally mounted between said arms for pivoting between a tool retaining position and a tool releasing position;
• c. detent means for retaining said latch means in a tool retaining position and a tool releasing position, respectively;
• d. stop means spaced below said latch means for contacting said work surface to provide clearance between said latch means and said work surface, whereby said latch means can be pivoted by an operator at all times;
• e. said latch means further comprising:
• i. a pivot pin extending between said support arms, said pivot pin being fixed from rotation with respect to said support arms, and having an axis transverse to said longitudinal axis;
• ii. yoke means for engaging said tool collar;
• iii. a handle angularly positioned with respect to said yoke means;
• and
• iv. a pivot housing connecting said yoke means and said handle, said housing having a bore therethrough pivotally mounted on said pivot pin;
• and
• f. elastic O-ring means positioned between said pivot pin and said support arms, said O-ring means being positioned in grooves in said pivot pin and said arms, said O-ring means being not in contact with said pivot housing, whereby said O-ring means are free from pivotable wear against said housing, as said housing pivots, while being positioned for absorbing shock.