Bit retainer for pneumatic tools

Claim 1

An improved retainer for releasably securing bits, such as chisels, chippers, or the like, having a generally elliptical flange on the shanks thereof in pneumatic tools comprising: a retainer body including a nose end and a rear end arranged for connection to the pneumatic tool, said body having a bore extending axially through said ends for receiving the bit, said bore having a front portion of generally elliptical cross-section to receive the elliptical flanges, an intermediate portion of generally circular cross-section of a diameter at least equal to the major axis of said front portion, and a rear portion of approximately the same cross-section as said front portion, said rear portion having a major axis disposed at an angle relative to the major axis of said front portion and said body also having a pair of radially disposed ports intersecting the intermediate portion of said bore; a bit latching member movably located in each of said ports; and, an annular sleeve slidingly positioned on said body for movement between latched and unlatched positions, said sleeve including an inwardly extending flange portion for engaging said latching members when said sleeve is in a latched position to limit the space between said members to a distance approximately equal to the minor diameter of the bore in said front portion, said sleeve having a groove in the interior thereof for receiving said latching members when said sleeve is in an unlatched position to permit radial movement of said latching members to a position wherein the space therebetween is at least equal to the major axis of the front portion of said bore.