Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for holding the shaft of an object, wherein the shaft rotates in a first working direction. The apparatus includes a bore, a first ball slot in communication with the bore, a first ball disposed within the first ball slot, and a spring. The bore has a longitudinal axis, and the shaft is inserted into the bore in an insertion direction. The first ball slot is in communication with the bore and includes a ramp. The first ball slot has a first axis that is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis at an acute angle between the insertion direction and the first working direction. Upon insertion of the shaft into the bore, the shaft contacts the ball and causes it to move along the ramp within the ball slot, thereby compressing the spring by a first amount.

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slidably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slidably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A tool-bit holder has a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof. A longitudinally moveable member extends through a slot in the hub and radially into the bore. The circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slidably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slidably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A tool-bit holder has a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof. A longitudinally moveable member extends through a slot in the hub and radially into the bore. The circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slideably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slideably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).

Abstract: A combination tool for drilling a bore and countersink for that bore includes a countersink member. The countersink member comprises a longitudinal sleeve with a first end and a second end. The sleeve contains a longitudinal bore through the sleeve from the first end to the second end sized to receive a drill bit. A radial slot through the wall of the sleeve is in communication with the longitudinal bore. The sleeve has a cutting edge connected to the first end of the sleeve. A collar containing a radial bore through its wall is slidably inserted over the sleeve. The radial bore is in communication with the radial slot of the countersink member. A fastening mechanism extends through the radial bore of the collar and slot of the countersink member to engage the drill bit inserted through the longitudinal bore of the countersink member and thus secure the drill bit, countersink member and collar relative to one another.

Abstract: A multi-mode quick-release chuck assembly is adapted for receiving tool bits having varying shank cross-sectional-sizes. The chuck assembly includes a hub having a longitudinal hub bore for receiving tool bits, a locking mechanism to retain the tool bits, and a sleeve. The sleeve is slidable between a first and a second sleeve position to engage and disengage the locking mechanism from the tool bit. Within the longitudinal hub bore is an elastic body, and a slidably disposed plunger. The longitudinal hub bore is adapted to receive a first tool bit having a first profile, and the plunger is adapted to receive a second tool bit having a second profile that is smaller than the first profile. The elastic body acts to bias the plunger towards the forward end of the hub into a first position. The first tool bit is inserted into the longitudinal hub bore displacing the plunger.

Abstract: The invention is a tool bit for use in a socket or chuck mechanism. The tool bit includes an elongated shank having an operative tip end and an opposite tail end. A polymer jacket is molded about the tail end of the shank, and the jacket in the lateral cross-section, has a hex-shaped outer surface.

Abstract: A tool-bit holder for receiving a tool-bit that automatically captures the tool-bit as it is inserted into the holder with a quick release mechanism to prevent axial withdrawal of the tool-bit from the holder. The tool-bit includes a shank portion with a circumferential groove. The tool-bit holder also includes a hub having a longitudinal bore for receiving the shank and a radial bore partially housing a detent ball used to capture the tool-bit shank at its circumferential groove within the tool-bit holder. A sleeve is axially slidably mounted relative to the hub and has a radial bore in communication with the radial bore of the hub for reception of the detent ball. The sleeve is axially biased by a spring and forces the detent ball against and along an inner ramp face fixed relative to the hub. The inner ramp face forces the detent ball radially inwardly and through the radial bore to seat in the circumferential groove of the tool-bit shank.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a chuck assembly of the type having a chuck hub with a longitudinally extending bore therein the longitudinally extending bore having a closed end, an open end, and a radially extending bit bore in communication with the longitudinally extending bore, and a bit ball movable in the ball bore between a first retracted position out of the longitudinally extending bore and a second engaged position partially in the longitudinally extending bore. The inventive improvement includes a shuttle slidably disposed in the longitudinally extending bore. The shuttle has a first longitudinally extending portion having a first lateral dimension and a second longitudinally extending portion having a second, smaller lateral dimension. The shuttle is movable longitudinally between a first release position and a second lock position.

Abstract: The invention is a tool bit for use in a socket or chuck mechanism. The tool bit includes an elongated shank having an operative tip end and an opposite tail end. A polymer jacket is molded about the tail end of the shank, and the jacket in the lateral cross-section, has a hex-shaped outer surface.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a chuck assembly of the type having a chuck hub with a longitudinally extending bore therein the longitudinally extending bore having a closed end, an open end, and a radially extending bit bore in communication with the longitudinally extending bore, and a bit ball movable in the ball bore between a first retracted position out of the longitudinally extending bore and a second engaged position partially in the longitudinally extending bore. The inventive improvement includes a shuttle slidably disposed in the longitudinally extending bore. The shuttle has a first longitudinally extending portion having a first lateral dimension and a second longitudinally extending portion having a second, smaller lateral dimension. The shuttle is movable longitudinally between a first release position and a second lock position.

Abstract: A quick-change chuck for a tool bit mounted to a drive shaft. The chuck includes a spindle with a tool end and a hub end where a bore extends into the hub end from a forward face. The bore has an inner end for receiving a tool bit. A sleeve is disposed around and rotatably connected to the hub end. The sleeve has a spindle side wall and an outer side wall. An air gap exists between the sleeve and the thrust washer on the spindle. Adjustable jaws protrude through the spindle into the bore at an acute angle and define an opening between the jaws. The jaws threadably engage the sleeve so that rotating the sleeve about the hub causes the adjustable jaws to move axially between an open position and a closed position. The open position occurs when the jaws are retracted from the bore and the closed position occurs when the jaws are extended into the bore. An bias member urges the jaws towards a closed position, and maintains the air gap between the thrust washer and the sleeve.

Abstract: A baking and/or cooling rack having at least two shelves formed of wire. The shelves are connected by wire support legs such as at the outside corners of the shelves. The connection between each shelf and its attached support legs is provided by a spring pin. The spring pins form hinges which provide a friction force preventing free movement of the connected support legs with respect to the shelves, but which allows forced movement of the connected support legs with respect to the shelves, thereby allowing the rack to fold between an upright position and a knocked down position. A third shelf may be removably supported by the support legs between the first and second shelves.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-level baking rack assembly includes a plurality of racks, at least one connector leg and at least one leg retainer. Each rack includes at least one horizontally projecting lug. Each connector leg defines a plurality of substantially horizontal, vertically spaced slots for removably receiving a lug of one of the racks to support and space apart the plurality of racks. The retainer leg mutually engages a lug of each rack and the connector leg to retain each lug in each slot of the connector leg.

Abstract: A quick change chuck assembly for tool bits uses a bayonet style lock. The assembly is constructed with a bore that receives a multi-faceted shank of a tool bit. Rotating the shank within the bore locks the shank in place, preventing undesired axial extraction of the tool bit from the assembly.