QUICK RELEASE MECHANISM FOR TOOLS SUCH AS SOCKET WRENCHES

摘要

A tool (E) of the type having a drive stud (10) for receiving and releasing a tool attachment (S) includes an opening (16) in the drive stud (10) and a locking pin (24) movably mounted in the opening (16). The opening (16) defines upper and lower ends (18, 20), and the lower end (18) of the opening (16) is located at a portion of the drive stud (10) constructed for insertion into the tool attachment (S). An actuating member (34) is movably positioned on the drive stud (10), and the actuating member defines a sliding surface (46) oriented transversely to the pin (24) to engage an upper end of the pin (24). A first spring (48) biases the sliding surface (46) toward the pin (24) and a second, weaker spring (50) biases the pin (24) toward the sliding surface (46). Movement of the drive stud (10) in a selected direction allows the second spring (50) to slide the pin (24) from the engaging to the release positions.