The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 31, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 08, 1999
John E Fuhreck, Racine, WI (US);
Joshua M Beer, Racine, WI (US);
Robert L Hartman, Sioux City, IA (US);
Dennis A Nowak, Greendale, WI (US);
John A Pierman, Kenosha, WI (US);
Snap-on Tools Company, Kenosha, WI (US);
Abstract
A battery-powered driver tool has a tool housing with a socket-type coupler which receives a plug-type coupler of a battery pack in any of four different rotational orientations. Four keys on the battery pack are received in four keyways on the tool housing for non-rotatable engagement, the parts being retained by a split snap ring on the battery pack which cams past four cam shoulders on the tool housing, so that the parts automatically snap-engage and disengage in response to a simple push-pull motion. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series between positive and negative terminals which are designed to respectively engage positive and negative terminals on the tool housing in any of the four rotational orientations of the battery pack. The battery pack has a flat base surface, the parts being designed so that the tool/battery pack combination can be stood on the base surface in one rotational orientation of the battery pack.