Retainer arrangement for tools

Claim 1

A tool bit retaining mechanism for a hammering power tool having a housing comprising: (a) a tool bit having a shank with an annular undercut portion formed thereon, (b) a bit receiving member carried on the housing and having a bore therein for receiving the tool bit along a tool bit axis, (c) the bit receiving member having a transverse portion, (d) the transverse portion of the bit receiving member having a first opening to define a retaining axis, said portion traversing the bore, (e) the retaining axis lying outside of the bore, (f) the first opening at its perimeter being in communication with the bore, (g) a retaining member being slidingly disposed in the transverse portion in a first or second position and having a body portion therein intersecting the bore when the retaining member is in its first position, (h) the body portion having an upper surface extending about a part of the body portion periphery, (i) means connected to the retaining member for yieldably urging the retaining member into its first position, (j) means mounted in the transverse portion for biasing the urging means while preventing rotation of the retaining member about the retaining axis, (k) a cutout formed only in the upper surface of the body portion and being positioned across the bore to permit the bore to make its full opening when the retaining member is depressed against the biasing means into its second position, (l) the tool bit shank being slidably received within the bore of the bit receiving member when the retaining member is in its second position, and (m) the annular undercut portion of the tool bit having a predetermined axial length and terminating at each end in an interior shoulder, at least one shoulder being engageable by the retaining member when the retaining member is in its first position, the tool bit thereby being retained in the tool and partaking of the tool's hammering motion.