US 5,810,102 A · Reversible bit assembly

Abstract

A reversible bit assembly (8) that includes a reversible bit (10) having a shank (20) and a radially enlarged center portion (22) located midway along the longitude of the shank (20). Opposed cutting tips (24) are located at opposed shank ends (23). The bit (10) is insertable into a bore (12) of a bit block (14) and held therein using a retention mechanism. A preferred retention mechanism includes a circumferential groove (34) in the bit center portion (22) and a cross hole (38) in the bit block (14) located tangent to the bore (12) at a position corresponding to the location of the groove (34) when the bit (10) is inserted in the block (14). A pin (46) inserts into the cross hole (38) to retain the bit (10) at the groove (34). An adaptor sleeve (16) is provided that may be inserted into the block (14) to additionally allow known bits (18) to be used in the block (14).

Claims18

Dependent claims

A reversible bit assembly comprising:

(a) a reversible bit comprising a generally cylindrical shank having opposed cutting tips, the shank having a center portion located generally midway between the cutting tips, the center portion diameter being larger than the shank diameter;
(b) a bit block for supporting the reversible bit, the block comprising a bore;
and
(c) a protected retention mechanism located within the bore at a location approximately midway along the length of the center portion, whereby the reversible bit is inserted into the bore of the bit block and retain mechanism comprising:
(i) at least one circumferential groove located in the bit center portion, wherein the cross-sectional area of the center portion at the base of the at least one groove is at least as large as the shank cross-sectional area;
(ii) a cross hole extending through the bit block at a location tangent to the bore, the cross hole being positioned to align with the circumferential groove;
and
(iii) a pin for insertion into the cross hole, the pin thereby retaining the bit at its groove in the bit block.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Reversible bit assembly

Life of this patent

Reversible bit assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18