US Patent: 6,851,341 - Locking Drive Tool


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US Patent: 6,851,341

Locking Drive Tool

Patentees:

Dean J. Iwinski (exact or similar names) - Muskego, WI

Daniel M. Eggert (exact or similar names) - Kenosha, WI

Gordon A. Putney (exact or similar names) - Lake Geneva, WI

Kelly Converse (exact or similar names) - Racine, WI

Michael H. Opgenorth (exact or similar names) - Colgate, WI

USPTO Classifications:

403/322.3, 403/326, 81/177.85

Tool Categories:

wrenches : socket wrenches

Assignees:

Snap-On, Inc. - Pleasant Prairie, WI

Manufacturer:

Not known to have been produced

Witnesses:

none listed

Patent Dates:
Applied:	Aug. 30, 2002
Granted:	Feb. 08, 2005

Patent Pictures:

USPTO (New site tip)
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Snap-On Tools Company History

Description:

Seyfarth, Shaw LLP - patent attorneys

Abstract

A drive tool is shiftable between locking and releasing configurations relative to an associated tool, the drive tool including a lock member moveable between a locking position and a release position relative to the associated tool, an actuator member moveable between a locking condition and a releasing condition, and coupling structure interconnecting the actuator member and the lock member. The lock member is tiltable to a latching condition which prevents its movement to its release position. In one embodiment the coupling structure is substantially rigid so that the lock member and the actuator move in substantially the same direction, and in another embodiment the coupling structure is flexible and resilient. The coupling structure may be fixedly coupled to the actuator member or may be loosely coupled thereto and biased to a rest condition.