Claims
- 1. A reciprocating saw comprising:
a rotary motor; a stationary housing portion; a scroll housing portion rotatably mounted to the stationary housing portion; a reciprocating mechanism mounted to the stationary housing portion and driven by the rotary motor, the reciprocating mechanism converting rotary motion of the rotary motor into reciprocating motion; a reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion relative to the scroll housing portion, the reciprocating motion being driven by the reciprocating mechanism and defining a reciprocating motion axis, the reciprocating shaft comprising:
a first end extending from the scroll housing portion; and a blade holder for holding a saw blade, the blade holder being mounted to the first end; wherein the scroll housing portion rotates relative to the stationary housing portion and the reciprocating mechanism about a first axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the reciprocating motion axis, the rotation of the scroll housing portion causing the saw blade to rotate in unison therewith.
- 2. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 wherein the scroll housing portion can be rotated by a user about the first rotational axis while the reciprocating shaft is moving in its reciprocating motion.
- 3. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 wherein the scroll housing can rotate endlessly in either direction relative to the stationary housing.
- 4. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 further comprising:
a main housing portion having a handle portion for grasping the reciprocating saw and a trigger switch mounted to the handle portion for actuating the rotary motor, the rotary motor being mounted in the main housing portion; wherein
the stationary housing portion is rotatable relative to the main housing portion about a second axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis.
- 5. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 wherein rotation of the scroll housing portion causes the reciprocating shaft to rotate in unison therewith.
- 6. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 further comprising a rotation lock which selectively prevents rotation of the scroll housing portion relative to the stationary housing portion.
- 7. The reciprocating saw of claim 6 wherein:
the rotation lock has an unlocked and a locked position, the rotation lock preventing rotation of the scroll housing portion relative to the stationary housing portion when in the locked position and permitting such relative rotation in the unlocked position; the rotation lock is normally biased to the locked position; the rotation lock can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by the user pushing a button associated with the rotation lock.
- 8. The reciprocating saw of claim 1 wherein:
the portion of the reciprocating shaft which extends from the scroll housing portion has a circular cross-section normal to the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft; and a round seal assembly is mounted to the scroll housing portion and surrounds the reciprocating shaft to establish a seal between the reciprocating shaft and the scroll housing portion.
- 9. The reciprocating saw of claim 8 wherein rotation of the scroll housing portion causes the reciprocating shaft to rotate in unison therewith.
- 10. The reciprocating saw of claim 9 further comprising:
a bearing with an axial slot formed therein, the bearing fixed to the scroll housing and supporting the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft relative to the scroll housing portion; a protrusion formed on the reciprocating shaft, the protrusion engaging the axial slot of the bearing thereby causing the reciprocating shaft to rotate in unison with the scroll housing portion.
- 11. The reciprocating saw of claim 9 wherein the first axis of rotation is coaxial with the cylindrical axis of the portion of the reciprocating shaft with the circular cross-section.
- 12. A power tool comprising:
a stationary housing portion; a movable housing portion mounted to the stationary housing portion for rotation about an axis of rotation; one of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion having a radial flange centered on the axis of rotation and extending at least part way around the axis of rotation; the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion having one or more locking pieces detachably mounted thereon, the one or more locking pieces each engaging the flange thereby blocking relative axial movement of the stationary housing portion away from the movable housing portion while permitting relative rotational movement of the stationary housing portion and the movable housing portion; and wherein when the one or more locking pieces are detached from the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion, the stationary housing portion and the movable housing portion can be disassembled from one another.
- 13. The power tool of claim 12 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 14. The power tool of claim 12 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 15. The power tool of claim 12 further comprising:
a biasing member biasing the stationary housing portion axially away from the movable housing portion when the movable housing portion is mounted to the stationary housing portion, the biasing force causing the one or more locking pieces to be biased against the flange.
- 16. The power tool of claim 15 wherein the biasing member is an O-ring positioned between the stationary housing portion and the movable housing portion.
- 17. The power tool of claim 16 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 18. The power tool of claim 16 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 19. The power tool of claim 15 wherein the one or more locking pieces comprise first and second pins mounted in the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion so that a longitudinal axis of each pin is generally tangential to the flange when the movable housing portion is mounted to the stationary housing portion.
- 20. The power tool of claim 19 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 21. The power tool of claim 19 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 22. The power tool of claim 19 wherein the radial flange is part of a radial groove centered on the axis of rotation and which extends at least part way around the axis of rotation.
- 23. The power tool of claim 19 wherein the radial flange extends completely around the axis of rotation.
- 24. The power tool of claim 19 further comprising:
a first locking O-ring mounted on the first pin, wherein when the first pin is detachably mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion, the first locking O-ring is interposed between the first pin and the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion thereby aiding in keeping the first pin in position; and a second locking O-ring mounted on the second pin, wherein when the second pin is detachably mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion, the second locking O-ring is interposed between the second pin and the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion thereby aiding in keeping the second pin in position.
- 25. A method of fastening first and second housing portions of a power tool where the first and second housing portions rotate relative to one another, the method comprising the steps of:
assembling the first and second housing portions together so that bearing surfaces formed on each are engaged with one another; and mounting one or more detachable locking pieces onto one of the first or second housing portions without the use of separate removable fasteners so that the locking pieces engage a surface formed on the other of the first or second housing portions thereby permitting relative rotational movement between the first and second housing portions about an axis of rotation and blocking relative axial movement of the first housing portion away from the second housing portion.
- 26. The method of claim 25 wherein:
the first housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the second housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 27. The method of claim 25 wherein:
the first housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the second housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 28. The method of claim 25 wherein the step of mounting one or more locking pieces onto one of the first or second housing portions further comprises the step of pushing the locking pieces into an interference fit with the one of the first or second housing portions.
- 29. The method of claim 25 wherein the one or more locking pieces comprise one or more pins.
- 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the step of mounting one or more locking pieces onto one of the first or second housing portions further comprises the steps of:
positioning at least one O-ring around each of the one or more pins; positioning each of the one or more pins with an attached O-ring into a respective bore formed in the one of the first or second housing portions so that each O-ring is interposed between the respective pin and bore thereby aiding to retain the position of the pin in the bore.
- 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the one or more pins comprise a first pin and a second pin.
- 32. The method of claim 31 wherein:
the first housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the second housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 33. The method of claim 31 wherein:
the first housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the second housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 34. A power tool comprising:
a stationary housing portion; a movable housing portion mounted to the stationary housing portion for rotation about an axis of rotation; a locking system for preventing rotation of the movable housing portion relative to the stationary housing portion comprising:
a plurality of angularly spaced detents radially formed at least part way around the axis of rotation on one of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion; a locking mechanism mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion to be movable between first and second positions wherein when in the first position, the locking mechanism engages one of the detents, and in a second position, the locking mechanism bypasses at least one of the detents allowing relative rotation between the stationary housing portion and the movable housing portion; and wherein the locking mechanism can be actuated to move from its first position to its second position by the user's hand without the use of any tools.
- 35. The power tool of claim 34 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 36. The power tool of claim 34 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the detents has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 37. The power tool of claim 36 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 38. The power tool of claim 34 wherein the locking mechanism is pivotally mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion and the locking mechanism pivots between its first and second positions.
- 39. The power tool of claim 38 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 40. The power tool of claim 38 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the grooves has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 41. The power tool of claim 40 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 42. The power tool of claim 34 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 43. The power tool of claim 42 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 44. The power tool of claim 42 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the detents has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 45. The power tool of claim 44 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 46. The power tool of claim 42 wherein the locking mechanism is pivotally mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion and the locking mechanism pivots between its first and second positions.
- 47. The power tool of claim 46 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 48. The power tool of claim 46 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the grooves has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 49. The power tool of claim 48 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 50. The power tool of claim 40 wherein:
the stationary housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw comprising a handle portion and at least partially enclosing a motor for driving the reciprocating saw; the movable housing portion is a portion of a housing of a reciprocating saw at least partially enclosing a reciprocating shaft which defines a reciprocating motion axis; and the axis of rotation is generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis of the reciprocating shaft.
- 51. The power tool of claim 50 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 52. The power tool of claim 50 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the detents has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 53. The power tool of claim 52 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 54. The power tool of claim 50 wherein the locking mechanism is pivotally mounted to the other of the stationary housing portion or the movable housing portion and the locking mechanism pivots between its first and second positions.
- 55. The power tool of claim 54 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position.
- 56. The power tool of claim 54 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a wedge-shaped portion and at least one of the grooves has a corresponding wedge shape.
- 57. The power tool of claim 56 wherein the locking mechanism is constantly biased towards the first position thereby eliminating any appreciable amount of play between the locking mechanism and the one of the detents when the locking mechanism is in its first position.
- 58. A saw comprising:
a reciprocating mechanism for producing a reciprocating motion; a reciprocating shaft assembly having a reciprocating motion driven by the reciprocating mechanism, the reciprocating shaft assembly comprising:
a reciprocating shaft having a blade holder proximate a first end and a first flange integrally formed with the reciprocating shaft proximate a second end opposite the first end; and a second flange selectively detachably mounted to the second end of the reciprocating shaft; wherein a portion of the reciprocating mechanism alternately pushes against the first and second flanges while the reciprocating mechanism is driving the reciprocating shaft assembly, and the first and second flanges cooperate to trap therebetween the portion of the reciprocating mechanism.
- 59. The saw of claim 58 wherein the reciprocating shaft is free to rotate with respect to the reciprocating mechanism.
- 60. The saw of claim 58 wherein:
the portion of the reciprocating mechanism which alternately pushes against the first and second flanges comprises a unitary yoke having a bore formed there through, the reciprocating shaft assembly passing through the bore; and a surface of the yoke adjacent the first end of the bore alternately pushes against the first flange and a surface of the yoke adjacent a second end of the bore alternately pushes against the second flange while the reciprocating mechanism is driving the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.
- 61. The saw of claim 60 wherein the reciprocating shaft assembly is free to rotate with respect to the yoke.
- 62. The saw of claim 58 wherein the second flange has screw threads and the second end of the reciprocating shaft has corresponding screw threads, the second flange mounted to the second end via the screw threads.
- 63. The saw of claim 62 wherein the screw threads of the second flange are formed on a radially exterior surface thereof, and the screw threads of the second end are formed on a radially interior surface thereof.
- 64. The saw of claim 62 wherein:
the portion of the reciprocating mechanism which alternately pushes against the first and second flanges comprises a unitary yoke having a bore formed there through, the reciprocating shaft assembly passing through the bore; and a surface of the yoke adjacent the first end of the bore alternately pushes against the first flange and a surface of the yoke adjacent a second end of the bore alternately pushes against the second flange while the reciprocating mechanism is driving the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.
- 65. The saw of claim 64 further comprising
a bearing fixed to the saw, a first bearing surface formed on the bearing; a bore formed in the second end of the reciprocating shaft parallel to a reciprocating motion axis defined by the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft assembly, the bore having a second bearing surface formed thereon; and wherein the bearing is inserted into the bore formed in the second end of the reciprocating shaft and the first and second bearing surfaces engage one another to support the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion.
- 66. The saw of claim 64 wherein the reciprocating shaft is free to rotate with respect to the yoke.
- 67. The saw of claim 66 further comprising:
a housing portion rotatable relative to the reciprocating mechanism about an axis of rotation generally parallel to the reciprocating motion axis defined by the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft; a bearing fixed to the housing portion, the bearing supporting the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion; and wherein when the housing portion is rotated relative to the reciprocating mechanism, the reciprocating shaft is caused to rotate in unison therewith by the bearing.
- 68. A saw comprising:
a reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion, the reciprocating shaft comprising a blade holder on one end thereof; a reciprocating mechanism driving the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion; the reciprocating mechanism comprising a yoke; one of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke having both a first locking flange integrally formed therewith and a second locking flange selectively detachably mounted thereto; and wherein the first locking flange and the second locking flange alternately engage a portion of the other of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke to transfer a force therebetween thereby driving the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion, and the first and second locking flanges cooperate to trap therebetween the portion of the other of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke.
- 69. The saw of claim 68 wherein the second locking flange has screw threads and the one of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke has corresponding screw threads, the second locking flange mounted to the one of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke via the screw threads.
- 70. The saw of claim 68 wherein the reciprocating shaft is free to rotate with respect to the yoke.
- 71. The saw of claim 70 wherein the second locking flange has screw threads and the one of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke has corresponding screw threads, and the second locking flange mounts to the one of the reciprocating shaft or the yoke via the screw threads.
- 72. A saw comprising:
a first housing portion having a handle portion with a trigger switch for actuating the saw; a second housing portion mounted to the first housing portion; a reciprocating shaft extending from the second housing portion, the reciprocating shaft having a blade holder with a saw blade mounted thereon, and the reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion defining a reciprocating motion axis, wherein
the saw blade is rotatable relative to the first housing portion about a first rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis; and the saw blade is continuously rotatable relative to the first housing portion about a second rotational axis substantially parallel with the reciprocating motion axis.
- 73. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 135 degrees.
- 74. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 150 degrees.
- 75. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 165 degrees.
- 76. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 180 degrees.
- 77. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade can be rotated by a user about the first rotational axis during the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft.
- 78. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade can be rotated by a user about the second rotational axis during the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft.
- 79. The saw of claim 72 wherein the saw blade can be rotated by a user about the first rotational axis during the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft and the saw blade can be rotated by a user about the second rotational axis during the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft.
- 80. The saw of claim 72 wherein the reciprocating shaft is spaced from the midplane of the saw.
- 81. The saw of claim 72 wherein:
the reciprocating shaft rotates in unison with the saw blade relative to the first housing portion about the first rotational axis; and the reciprocating shaft continuously rotates in unison with the saw blade relative to the first housing portion about the second rotational axis.
- 82. The saw of claim 81 wherein the reciprocating shaft is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 135 degrees.
- 83. The saw of claim 81 wherein the reciprocating shaft is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 150 degrees.
- 84. The saw of claim 81 wherein the reciprocating shaft is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 165 degrees.
- 85. The saw of claim 81 wherein the reciprocating shaft is continuously rotatable about the first rotational axis through a range of at least 180 degrees.
- 86. The saw of claim 82 wherein the reciprocating shaft is continuously rotatable about the second rotational axis endlessly in either direction.
- 87. The saw of claim 86 further comprising:
a rotary electric motor mounted at least partially within the first housing portion, the motor having a motor shaft defining a rotational axis; and a reciprocating mechanism driven by the motor shaft, the reciprocating mechanism driving the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion; wherein the saw blade can be rotated about the first rotational axis to a first position where the reciprocating motion axis is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the motor.
- 88. The saw of claim 87 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 14½ inches.
- 89. The saw of claim 87 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 13½ inches.
- 90. The saw of claim 87 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 13 inches.
- 91. The saw of claim 86 further comprising a first rotation lock which selectively prevents rotation of the saw blade about the first rotational axis.
- 92. The saw of claim 86 further comprising a second rotation lock which selectively prevents rotation of the saw blade about the second rotational axis.
- 93. The saw of claim 86 further comprising:
a first rotation lock which selectively prevents rotation of the saw blade about the first rotational axis; and a second rotation lock which selectively prevents rotation of the saw blade about the second rotational axis.
- 94. The saw of claim 93 wherein the first rotation lock and the second rotation lock can each be selectively actuated by a user's hand without the use of tools.
- 95. The saw of claim 72 further comprising:
a rotary electric motor mounted at least partially within the first housing portion, the motor having a motor shaft and a rotational axis; a reciprocating mechanism driven by the motor shaft, the reciprocating mechanism driving the reciprocating shaft in its reciprocating motion; wherein the saw blade can be rotated about the first rotational axis to a first position where the reciprocating motion axis is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the motor.
- 96. The saw of claim 95 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 14½ inches.
- 97. The saw of claim 95 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 13½ inches.
- 98. The saw of claim 95 wherein when the saw blade is rotated to the first position, the greatest distance from the tip of a fully extended 6 inch saw blade to any portion of the second housing portion is not greater than about 13 inches.
- 99. A reciprocating saw comprising:
a first housing having a handle portion and a motor portion for mounting a rotary electric motor; a second housing rotationally mounted to the first housing; a third housing rotationally mounted to the second housing; a reciprocating shaft extending out from the third housing, the reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion defining a reciprocating motion axis; wherein
the second housing is rotationally mounted to the first housing about a first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis; and the third housing is rotationally mounted to the second housing about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the reciprocating motion axis.
- 100. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 wherein the third housing rotates endlessly in either direction about the second axis of rotation.
- 101. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 further comprising:
a radial flange centered on the second axis of rotation formed on one of the second housing or third housing and extending at least part way around the second axis of rotation; a locking piece detachably mounted to the other of the second housing or third housing; and wherein the locking piece engages the radial flange thereby blocking appreciable axial movement of the third housing away from the second housing.
- 102. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 wherein the second housing is formed substantially of aluminum through a die casting process.
- 103. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 wherein the third housing is formed substantially of aluminum through a die casting process.
- 104. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 wherein the second housing and the third housing are each formed substantially of aluminum through a die casting process.
- 105. The reciprocating saw of claim 99 further comprising:
a first boot mounted to the second housing; a second boot mounted to the third housing; wherein the first boot and the second boot are formed of an electrically insulating material.
- 106. The reciprocating saw of claim 105 wherein the first and the second boot are formed from thermoplastic elastomer.
- 107. The reciprocating saw of claim 105 wherein the first boot completely surrounds the exterior of the second housing and the second boot completely surrounds the exterior of the third housing thereby preventing a user's hand from directly contacting the second or third housing.
- 108. A saw comprising:
a first housing portion having a handle portion with a trigger switch for actuating the saw; a second housing portion rotationally mounted to the first housing portion; a reciprocating shaft extending from the second housing portion, the reciprocating shaft having a blade holder with a saw blade mounted thereon, and the reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion defining a reciprocating motion axis, wherein
the saw blade is rotatable relative to the first housing portion about a rotational axis generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis when a release mechanism mounted on one of the first or second housing portions is depressed by a user's hand without the aid of any tool.
- 109. The saw of claim 108 wherein the release mechanism is a button.
- 110. The saw of claim 108 further comprising:
a rotational lock acting to selectively prevent rotation of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion by selectively retaining the angular position of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion in one of a discreet number of predetermined angular positions.
- 111. The saw of claim 110 wherein the second housing portion is continuously rotatable relative to the first housing portion.
- 112. A method of adjusting a reciprocating saw comprising a first housing portion having a handle portion with a trigger switch for actuating the saw, a second housing portion rotationally mounted to the first housing portion, and a reciprocating shaft extending from the second housing portion, the reciprocating shaft having a blade holder with a saw blade mounted thereon, and the reciprocating shaft having a reciprocating motion defining a reciprocating motion axis, the method comprising the steps of:
a user's hand depressing a release mechanism without the aid of any tool, thereby permitting rotation of the saw blade relative to the first housing about a rotational axis generally perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis; rotating the saw blade about the rotational axis; the user's hand releasing the release mechanism, thereby causing the angular position of the saw blade to be locked relative to the first housing about the rotational axis.
- 113. The method of claim 112 wherein the release mechanism is a button.
- 114. The method of claim 112 wherein the step of rotating the saw blade about the rotational axis further comprises the step of continuously rotating the saw blade about the rotational axis.
- 115. The method of claim 114 wherein after the step of the user's hand releasing the release mechanism, the method further comprises the step of locking the angular position of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion about the rotational axis into one of a discreet number of predetermined angular positions.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,944 filed Dec. 18, 2001.
Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
10016944 |
Dec 2001 |
US |
Child |
10117280 |
Apr 2002 |
US |