Abstract: A power tool chuck and bit shank system for attaching changeable tool bits to a power tool such as a router. The chuck includes a body having a bore which is sized to accept a tool bit shank. At least two movable gripping jaws are included for gripping the tool bit shank, which are moved with a tightening mechanism. At least one flat surface is provided in at least a section of the bore for mating with at least one corresponding flat surface provided on a tool bit shank to prevent rotational movement of the tool bit shank within the bore. A tool bit shank having a flat surface can be gripped in the chuck with hand tightening of the tightening mechanism, and a tool bit shank without a flat surface can be gripped in the chuck with assisted tightening of the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A drill bit point storage system comprising a drill bit and at least one cavity in at least a portion of the drill bit for storing at least one drill bit point. The system can also include a coupling device for securing the drill bit point when the drill bit point is stored within the cavity of the drill bit. In one arrangement, the coupling device can be a cover positioned substantially around the drill bit in which at least a first portion of the cover can have a shape that can substantially correspond to a shape of said portion of the drill bit such that the first portion of the cover can be substantially adjacent to the portion of the drill bit. The first portion of the cover can be at least partially positioned over the cavity when the drill bit point is stored therein.

Abstract: A holder system for interchangeable socket members comprises at least one socket receiving member, a base, and a lock member. The socket receiving member has a central axis and nub for engaging a socket. The socket receiving member is also removably attached to the base. The lock member has a lock stop, and the lock member is removably insertable into the receiving member. The lock member also prevents the nub from releasing the socket receiving member. The base and the lock stop prevent movement of the lock member in either direction along the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the secure storage of sockets for ratchet wrenches. The invention includes a system for securely holding one or more of a set of detachable bits, used with ratchet wrenches or other tools, by means of a cam-actuated rotator member mounted within a channel guide. Further, a novel display apparatus is disclosed which provides a secure mounting system for a ratchet wrench together with a set of sockets. Finally, a extension arm system is provided for attaching an accessory device such as an extension bar to the apparatus so that the ratchet wrench, sockets and accessory may be conveniently stored and displayed together.

Abstract: A length adjustable rack for organizing and holding tools in a tool chest drawer. The rack is comprised of an elongated base member and a vertically upstanding body extending from the base member over substantially an entire length thereof. The body has at least one upwardly facing recess defined along a portion of its length. An end cap configured for attachment to the body is provided on an end thereof. Further, a frangible shear section is provided along a portion of the elongated body and the elongated base member. A key member formed on the end of the body is provided and configured for securing the end to the end cap. At least one additional key member is provided adjacent to the frangible shear section, and the additional key member is exposed for engagement with a locking portion of the end cap when the adjustable rack is flexed at the shear section and an excess portion of the length is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the secure storage of sockets for ratchet wrenches and other types of interchangeable bit members for tools such as screwdrivers, nut drivers, routers, etc., having integral shafts or shaft receiving members. The invention includes a system for securely holding one or more of a set of detachable bits, used with ratchet wrenches or other tools, by means of a cam-actuated rotator member mounted within a channel guide. Further, a novel socket display apparatus is disclosed which provides a secure mounting system for the cam actuated receiving unit. The socket display apparatus provides for snap lock engagement of the display apparatus with a ratchet wrench socket or other tool bit whereby the socket or bit may only be removed by destroying the display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the secure storage of sockets for ratchet wrenches and other types of interchangeable bit members for tools such as screwdrivers, nut drivers, routers, etc., having integral shafts or shaft receiving members. The invention includes a system for securely holding one or more of a set of detachable bits, used with ratchet wrenches or other tools, by means of a cam-actuated rotator member mounted within a channel guide. Further, a novel socket display apparatus is disclosed which provides a secure mounting system for the cam actuated receiving unit. The socket display apparatus provides for snap lock engagement of the display apparatus with a ratchet wrench socket or other tool bit whereby the socket or bit may only be removed by destroying the display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the secure storage of sockets for ratchet wrenches and other types of interchangeable bit members for tools such as screwdrivers, nut drivers, routers, etc., having integral shafts or shaft receiving members. The invention includes a system for securely holding one or more of a set of detachable bits, used with ratchet wrenches or other tools, by means of a cam-actuated rotator member mounted within a channel guide. Further, the apparatus includes a strip member engaged along a gap formed by the rotator members to thereby maintain engagement of the bit members, and a retaining means engaged with the channel guide to prevent disengagement of the strip member from the gap.

Abstract: A tool carrier suitable for displaying tools for merchandising includes a plurality of downwardly extending flexible strips having vertically opposed holes through which tool shafts may be inserted when the strips are flexed. Release of the flexure causes the hole walls to grip the tool shaft, firmly holding the tools for ready access and display.

Abstract: An audible turn signal indicator system includes a turn signal selector for indicating an anticipated change in the direction of travel of a vehicle to a first direction and a second direction. The audible turn signal indicator system also includes audible directional indicator means for emitting first and second predetermined audible signals in response to an indication of an anticipated change in travel to the first and second directions, respectively. The first and second signals are audibly different in a predetermined manner such that the operator can determine the direction of the anticipated change in travel based upon the audible signals. In addition, the operator can determine which, if any, of the turn signals have been activated by monitoring the audibly different signals. The audible directional indicator means generally includes one or more speakers and an audible directional indicator controller for driving the speakers such that first and second audibly different signals are emitted thereby.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adjustable closure force control device for a screw-type vise and a method for selectively controlling the closure force of the vise. The control device uses a nut barrel for threadingly receiving a screw of a screw-type vise with a movable vise jaw being operatively connected to the screw so that advancement of the screw through the nut barrel results in vise jaw closure about an article to be held. The closure force control selectively controls the advancement of the screw through the nut barrel in response to the resistance to movement encountered by the movable vise jaw. In a preferred form of the invention, a compressible detent plunger cooperates with a series of apertures spaced about the nut barrel periphery. This allows the nut barrel to rotate with the screw, ending screw advancement and jaw closure despite continued screw rotation, when the predetermined resistance to jaw movement is encountered.

Abstract: A latch member of a case or similar container blow-molded from thermoplastic material is pivotally and permanently secured to the case by a bearing formed substantially simultaneously with and from the same thermoplastic material as the body of the case. Formation of a permanent bond between the bearing member and the latch member is avoided by employing a latch member formed of material having a higher melt temperature than the material used in the formation of the main body of the case and the bearing member, and also by effecting relative movement between the latch member and the bearing member while the thermoplastic material forming the bearing member is still in a heated condition. Apparatuses for positioning the latch member within the mold are also disclosed.