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US 6,634,439 B2Granted
Interlock mechanism
AssigneeBlack & Decker Inc.
InventorLeo Driessen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interlock mechanism for a power tool is provided to releasably couple first and second portions of the power tool. The mechanism includes a spring normally biased into a closed position and an actuator enabling the spring to be moved to an open position. The actuator has a spring-engaging surface formed from several individual surfaces which are non coplanar.
Claims17
An interlock mechanism for releasably coupling first and second portions of a power tool comprising:
- a spring normally biased to a first, closed position;
- and
- an actuator independently moveable relative to the first and second portions between a first position and a second position for urging the spring from the closed position to an open position for decoupling of the first and second portions, the actuator having a spring-engaging surface formed from a plurality of individual surfaces which are not coplanar, the plurality of individual surfaces including a first cam surface and a second cam surface;
- wherein the spring engages the first cam surface as the actuator moves from the first position to an intermediate position and the spring engages the second cam surface as the actuator moves from the intermediate position tom the second position.
1 more element
A power tool comprising:
- a tool head;
- a tool body removably receiving the tool head;
- a biasing member normally in a closed position for securing the tool head to the tool body and moveable to an open position to permit decoupling of the tool head and the tool body;
- and
- an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position to urge the biasing member from the closed position to the open position, the actuator including a first cam surface that engages the biasing member as the actuator is moved from the first position to an intermediate position and a second cam surface angled relative to the first cam surface that engages the biasing member as the actuator is moved from the intermediate position to the second position.
2 more elements
The interlock mechanism of claim 111, wherein the biasing member includes an arm that engages the first and second cam surfaces of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.