Patent Application
20140047720
Reciprocating saws are known in the art and used to cut many types of materials. The serrated blade cuts materials as the blade reciprocates back and forth. Most reciprocating tools are driven by an electric motor such as reciprocating saws. A rotating shaft or cam is generally used to cause the saw blade to reciprocate. Generally, the reciprocating saw is driven by an electric motor that has a rotating output shaft. The rotating motion generated by the motor is then translated into reciprocating motion to move the saw blade.
Several non-limiting prior art reciprocating power saws are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. D642,028; 7,963,043; D631,314; 8,006,392; 7,797,841; 7,721,450; D612,700; 7,665,216; D608,611; 7,600,458; D596,005; D591,574; 7,493,698; 7,448,137; 7,437,824; 7,426,786; D572,563; 7,395,603; D560,988; D558,550; D558,018; D551,930; D544,327; 7,225,714; 7,225,546; 7,204,026; D538,617; 7,188,425; 7,168,169; 7,127,973; D530,174; 7,114,259; D527,967; D527,597; D527,596; D527,233; 7,096,590; 7,096,589; D525,845; D525,842; 7,082,689; D524,623; D524,131; D524,130; D523,719; D523,310; 7,032,486; 6,912,790; D506,117; D504,603; 6,871,405; 6,851,194; 6,851,193; D500,651; 6,829,831; 6,810,589; 6,782,781; 6,772,662; 6,758,119; 6,742,267; 6,705,017; D487,384; D485,479; D485,142; D485,141; D485,140; D484,759; 6,671,969; 6,651,348; D480,616; D479,453; D479,447; D479,107; D479,106; D475,907; 6,568,089; D474,088; D471,782; D471,418; D471,417; D468,982; 6,508,151; 6,477,884; D465,138; 6,467,177; 6,449,851; 6,401,585; D456,233; D448,634; D447,924; 6,286,217; 6,272,757; 6,264,211; 6,249,979; 6,237,179; 6,234,255; 6,233,833; 6,212,781; D434,627; 6,112,420; D427,865; 6,065,216; 6,007,541; 5,940,977; 5,918,525; D408,699; 5,860,218; 5,855,070; D401,128; 5,782,000; 5,724,742; 5,724,741; 5,722,309; D379,291; 5,598,636; D376,525; 5,421,232; 5,421,091; D358,315; 5,392,519; 5,349,754; 5,271,154; 5,193,281; 5,155,914; D322,921; 5,031,324; 4,969,270; 4,962,588; D310,008; 4,934,056; D308,469; 4,798,001; 4,550,501; 4,145,811; 4,038,721; and 3,945,120; and United States Patent Publication Nos. 2011/0131819; 2011/0107608; 2011/0061245; 2010/0218655; 2010/0218389; 2010/0180455; 2010/0154231; 2010/0031517; 2009/0241354; 2009/0223071; 2009/0151174; 2009/0113727; 2009/0106986; 2009/0049973; 2008/0307936; 2008/0276470; 2008/0235961; 2008/0172890; 2008/0141545; 2008/0104853; 2008/0047150; 2008/0041174; 2008/0010840; 2007/0214660; 2007/0209217; 2007/0209162; 2007/0163415; 2007/0151112; 2007/0131076; 2007/0101587; 2007/0068012; 2007/0000137; 2006/0288591; 2006/0260141; 2006/0137498; 2006/0130628; 2006/0101650; 2006/0096104; 2006/0060054; 2005/0262710; 2005/0235799; 2005/0223569; 2005/0211046; 2005/0211023; 2005/0199117; 2005/0183271; 2005/0178012; 2005/0144791; 2005/0132583; 2005/0120568; 2005/0103320; 2005/0102846; 2005/0092156; 2005/0005458; 2004/0255474; 2004/0237678; 2004/0231170; 2004/0221461; 2004/0181952; 2004/0143976; 2004/0117993; 2004/0049928; 2004/0003504; 2003/0150120; 2003/0145472; 2003/0140507; 2003/0121389; 2003/0110646; 2003/0110645; 2003/0101600; 2003/0051352; 2003/0014869; 2003/0009888; 2002/0170335; 2002/0095798; 2002/0026718; 2001/0034942; and 2001/0034941, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Although this type of cutting device is effective for many applications, there are several disadvantages to the use of such a device. One disadvantage is that the reciprocation of the cutting blade can cause the material being cut to move back and forth due to the friction and cutting action of the cutting blade when the cutting blade moves back and forth during the cutting of the material. Such movement of the material during the cutting process can result in improper cutting of the material and damage to the material. Also, when the material to be cut is held in place, the reciprocating saw will tend to move back and forth during cutting thus making it difficult to hold the saw in the proper position and increasing the rate of fatigue on the user to properly hold and position the saw during cutting of a material. Also, some cutting operations perform better with different stroke lengths; however, most reciprocating saws operate with only a single stroke length.
In view of the current state of the art regarding reciprocating saws, there is a need for an improved reciprocating saw and saw blade that reduces the forward/backward force, vibration and jerking actions caused by the reciprocating saw blade during the cutting operation, reduces fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw, improves accuracy of the cutting operation through material, and provides for a smoother cut through the material.
The present invention is directed to a multi-blade reciprocating saw and blades for use with such saw that addresses the past deficiencies of prior art reciprocating saws. Generally, the multi-blade reciprocating saw includes two reciprocating blades; however, it can be appreciated that the multi-blade reciprocating saw can be designed to include more than two reciprocating saw blades, or be used with a single reciprocating saw blade. The size, shape, length, thickness and/or material of the reciprocating saw and saw blades used with the reciprocating saw are non-limiting. The one or more reciprocating saw blades used on the reciprocating saw generally have the same size, shape, length, thickness; however, this is not required. The present invention is directed to reciprocating saws, more particularly directed to a reciprocating saw that includes a plurality of reciprocating saw blades that can be moved independently of one another, and still more particularly to a reciprocating saw that includes two reciprocating saw blades that can be simultaneously moved in opposite directions to one another during the cutting of material. Prior art reciprocating saws generally included a single reciprocating saw blade that reciprocated in a back and forth motion. The present invention pertains to the concept of including two reciprocating saw blades that can be reciprocate together in opposite directions from one another during the cutting of material. The present invention contemplates a power tool that is dedicated for use with one or more reciprocating saw blades. The ability to reciprocate two reciprocating saw blades in opposite directions from one another during the cutting of material can result in 1) improved cutting of material by the reciprocating saw blades, 2) reduced the vibration caused by the cutting of material by the reciprocating saw blades and/or operation of the reciprocating saw and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw, 3) improvements in the speed and/or accuracy of the cutting operation through a material, 4) a reduction of the backward/forward forces on the user when using the reciprocating saw to cut through material and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw, 5) a reduction of the jerking actions caused by the reciprocating saw blade during the cutting operation and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw, 6) improvements in the accuracy of the cutting operation through material, and/or 7) providing for a smoother cuts and/or less abrupt cut through the material.
In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw blades are caused to reciprocate in opposite directions to one another during the cutting of a material. The speed or rate of reciprocation of the two reciprocating saw blades, when reciprocating in opposite directions, can be the same or different. In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, the speed or rate of reciprocation of the two reciprocating saw blades when reciprocating in opposite directions can be the same.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the two reciprocating saw blades can have the same or different length, tooth location and/or shape. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the length of the two reciprocating saw blades is the same; however, this is not required. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the tooth location of the two reciprocating saw blades is the same; however, this is not required. Generally, the tooth location is on the bottom edge of the reciprocating saw blade; however, it can be appreciated that teeth can be positioned on both the top and bottom edge of the reciprocating saw blade; however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the shape of the two reciprocating saw blades is the same; however, this is not required. When the length, tooth location and shape of the two reciprocating saw blades are the same, the two reciprocating saw blades can be interchangeable with one another without affecting the operation of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the connection arrangement of the two reciprocating saw blades can be the same or different. When the reciprocating saw blades have the same connection arrangement, either reciprocating saw blade can be connected to the first or second blade carrying arm without affecting the operation of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. When the reciprocating saw blades have a different connection arrangement, one reciprocating saw blade can be designed to connect only to one of the blade carrying arms and the other reciprocating saw blade can be designed to connect only to the other blade carrying arm; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw can optionally include a quick connect/release arrangement for one or both reciprocating saw blades; however, this is not required. The configuration of the quick connect/release arrangement, when included on the reciprocating saw, is non-limiting. In one non-limiting configuration, this is provided one or more depressible buttons on the reciprocating saw to enable one or both reciprocating saw blades to be connected to and/or released from the blade carrying arms on the reciprocating saw. The location of the one or more buttons on the reciprocating saw is non-limiting. As can be appreciated, one or more of the reciprocating saw blades can be connected to the blade carrying arms on the reciprocating saw by use of a screw, a hex bolt, etc. instead of a blade carrying arms on the reciprocating saw.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the configuration of the cutting teeth on the first and second reciprocating saw blades can be the same or different. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the teeth configuration on each of the reciprocating saw blades is the same. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the teeth configuration on each of the reciprocating saw blades is different. In still another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the teeth configuration on one or both of the reciprocating saw blades enables the reciprocating saw blades to cut material when moving in both a forward and backward direction; however, this is not required. In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more teeth on one or both of the reciprocating saw blades angle outwardly from the central cutting axis of the reciprocating saw blades. Such a reciprocating saw blade configuration can be used to 1) cause one or both reciprocating saw blades to move toward one another during the cutting of material, 2) facilitate in the movement of cut material away from one or both reciprocating saw blades, and/or 3) increase the ease of cutting through a material; however, this is not required. The configuration of the teeth of the inner and/or outer reciprocating saw blades is non-limiting.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw is a dedicated tool for use with one or more reciprocating saw blades. The reciprocating saw can be battery powered and/or powered by an AC current power cord. In one non-limiting embodiment, when two reciprocating saw blades are connected to the reciprocating saw, the reciprocating saw includes gearing that enables the two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions; however, this is not required. The reciprocating saw can include gearing that enables the two reciprocating saw blades to be reciprocated in opposite directions at the same or different speeds. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the reciprocating saw can include one or more optional features such as, but not limited to, a “continuous on” button, a button to activate a light or laser, a level indicator, a speed controller, a “lock off” button, battery powered motor, rechargeable battery, removable battery, vibration reducing hand grip, reducing vibration nose grip, reduced slip hand grip, tiltable handle, rotatable handle, etc.; however, this is not required.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw can optionally include a laser or light switch to activate and/or deactivate one or more lights or lasers on the reciprocating saw. The location of the switch and one or more lasers and/or lights on the reciprocating saw is non-limiting. When one or more lasers and/or lights are included on the reciprocating saw, at least one laser and/or light is generally located at the front or front portion of the reciprocating saw to 1) illuminate a region about the reciprocating saw blades to facilitate in the illumination of the region to be cut by the reciprocating saw blades, and/or 2) create a guide line or cut line to facilitate in guiding the one or more reciprocating saw blades along the material to be cut; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the laser or light switch is located on a region of the reciprocating saw that is grasped by the user (e.g., handle, etc.) when using the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. The laser or light switch can be designed to be a depressible or contact switch that automatically causes one or more laser and/or lights to illuminate when the reciprocating saw is grasped by the user during use of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, the switch can be located on top of or hidden beneath an outer surface (e.g., soft outer surface grip, etc.) of the reciprocating saw.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the two reciprocating saw blades can optionally include a connector arrangement that connects the two reciprocating saw blades together and enables the two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions. The configuration of the connection arrangement is non-limiting. In one non-limiting arrangement, the connection arrangement includes a pin and slot arrangement wherein one of the reciprocating saw blades includes a slot and the other reciprocating saw blade includes a pin that is designed to be moveable in the slot of the other reciprocating saw blade. The pin may have a larger head (e.g., cone shaped head, etc.) to retain the pin to the slot in the reciprocating blade during the operation of the two reciprocating saw blades; however, this is not required. The connection arrangement, when used, can be designed to facilitate in maintaining the spacing of the two reciprocating saw blades from each other during the operation of the reciprocating saw and/or the cutting of material by the two reciprocating saw blades.
In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw optionally includes a gearing arrangement that enables the user to select a plurality of stroke options for the one or more reciprocating saw blades. As defined herein, “stroke” is the difference between the maximum forward and rearward or backward position of the reciprocating saw blade during the operation of the reciprocating saw. The gearing arrangement can be designed to enable two or more different stroke values to be used when cutting of the material. In one non-limiting arrangement, the one or more reciprocating saw blades can have a different stroke value by merely selecting the rotation direction of the motor of the reciprocating saw. For example, when the motor is selected to operate in the clockwise direction, the stroke value of the one or more reciprocating saw blades can be a stoke value A (e.g., 0.75 inches, 1 inch, etc.), and when the motor is selected to operate in the counterclockwise direction, the stroke value of the one or more reciprocating saw blades can be a stoke value B (e.g., 0.5 inches, 0.25 inches, etc.). As can be appreciated, the gear arrangement can be designed to change the stroke value or length without having the change the direction of the motor.
In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw optionally includes a gearing arrangement that includes an eccentric cam arrangement to enable two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions during the operation of the reciprocating saw. As can be appreciated, the gearing arrangement can include other arrangement that are absent an eccentric cam arrangement to enable two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions during the operation of the reciprocating saw.
In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw can include a shoe that is used to facilitate in the use of the reciprocating saw. The configuration of the shoe is non-limiting. The shoe is generally positioned on the front end of the reciprocating saw. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the shoe, when used, can be designed to be detachable from the body of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the shoe, when used, can be tiltable/pivotable to allow for angled cutting of the material by the one or more reciprocating saw blades; however, this is not required.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reciprocating saw can include one or more of the following features and/or advantages:
It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a multi-blade reciprocating saw.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a multi-blade reciprocating saw wherein two or more reciprocating saw blades reciprocate in the opposite direction from one another.
It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that is dedicated to the use with one or more reciprocating saw blades.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that improves the cutting of material by the reciprocating saw blades.
It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that reduces the vibration caused by the cutting of material by the reciprocating saw blades and/or operation of the reciprocating saw and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that improves in the speed and/or accuracy of the cutting operation through a material.
It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that reduces the forward/backward or rearward forces on the user when using the reciprocating saw to cut through material and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that reduces of the jerking actions caused by the reciprocating saw blades during the cutting operation and thereby reduce fatigue to the user when using the reciprocating saw and/or facilitate in the ease, quality and/or accuracy of a cut in a material during the use of the reciprocating saw.
It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that improves in the accuracy of the cutting operation through material.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that provides for a smoother cuts and/or less abrupt cut through the material. It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw wherein the speed or rate of reciprocation of the two reciprocating saw blades when reciprocating in opposite directions can be the same or different.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw wherein the two reciprocating saw blades can have the same or different length, tooth location and/or shape.
It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw wherein the connection arrangement of the two reciprocating saw blades can be the same or different.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a quick connect/release arrangement for one or both reciprocating saw blades.
It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that the configuration of the cutting teeth on the first and second reciprocating saw blades can be the same or different.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that one or more teeth on one or both of the reciprocating saw blades angle outwardly from the central cutting axis of the reciprocating saw so as to cause one or both reciprocating saw blades to move toward one another during the cutting of material, to facilitate in the movement.
It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes gearing that enables the two reciprocating saw blades to be reciprocated in opposite directions at the same or different speeds.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a laser or light switch to activate and/or deactivate one or more lights or lasers on the reciprocating saw.
It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a shoe.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a shoe that can be tiltable to allow for angled cutting of the material by the one or more reciprocating saw blades.
It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a connector arrangement that connects the two reciprocating saw blades together and enables the two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions.
It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a gearing arrangement that enables the user to select a plurality of stroke options for the one or more reciprocating saw blades.
It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a gearing arrangement that includes an eccentric cam arrangement to enable two reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in opposite directions during the operation of the reciprocating saw.
It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating saw that includes a handle that can be pivoted and/or rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the body of the reciprocating saw.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate various preferred embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating one non-limiting embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,
Referring again to
The reciprocating saw can be powered by a battery, a power cord, etc. When the reciprocating saw is powered by a battery, the battery can be a rechargeable battery, a removable battery, etc.; however, this is not required. The one or more batteries, when used, can be located in the handle and/or main body portion. When the reciprocating saw is powered by a power cord 152, the power cord is generally connected to the handle; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the size, shape and location of the one or more batteries, when use, are non-limiting.
The handle generally includes a power button 160 that is used to activate the one or more electric motors that are located partially or fully within the body of the reciprocating saw. The size, location and orientation of the one or more motors in the body of the reciprocating saw is non-limiting. The speed at which the one or more motors operate is also non-limiting. The power button is generally a depressible button. As can be appreciated, other or additional types of activation arrangements (e.g., slide switch, etc.) can be used to activate/deactivate the one or more motors in the body of the multi-blade reciprocating saw. As can be appreciated, the size, shape, operation, and location of the power button are non-limiting. The power button can be designed to vary the speed of the one or more electric motors based on the amount the power button is depressed by the user; however, this is not required. As such, the reciprocating saw can be a multi-speed reciprocating saw or a single speed reciprocating saw. A lock button 172 can optionally be positioned on the handle and/or main body portion of the reciprocating saw to prevent the depression of the power button and/or to lock the power button is an “on” position. As can be appreciated, the size, shape, operation, and location of the lock button are non-limiting.
The handle or main body portion of the reciprocating saw can include a stroke adjustment button 174. As will be described in more detail below, the reciprocating saw can be designed to be a single stroke reciprocating saw or a multi-stroke reciprocating saw. When the reciprocating saw is a multi-stroke reciprocating saw, a button, knob, switch or the like can be used to select the available stroke options of the reciprocating saw. The size, shape, operation and location of the button, knob, switch, etc. on the handle or main body portion of the reciprocating saw is non-limiting. As illustrated in
The main body portion can optionally include one or more vent openings 180 to allow for air flow into and/or out of the interior of the main body to enable cooling of one or more components (e.g., motor, etc.) in the main body. The number, shape and/or location of the one or more vent openings on the main body portion of the reciprocating saw are non-limiting.
A shoe 190 can be connected to the front end 122 of the main body portion; however, this is not required. The shoe, when used, can function as a position guide during the cutting of material. The shoe can also or alternatively be used to protect the front end 122 from damage during the cutting of material and/or to limit the amount of material that enters a cavity 124 in the front end 122 of the main body portion of the reciprocating saw portion; however, this is not required. The shoe, when used, can function as a space limiter to ensure proper spacing of the front end 122 from the material to be cut and/or to ensure the desired blade portion of the reciprocating saw blades is used to cut material; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the shoe can have other or additional functions. The shape of the shoe is non-limiting. The shoe generally includes an opening 192 or slot to enable the reciprocating saw blades to pass through the shoe. The shoe can be movably connected to front end 122 or be non-movably connected to front end 122. The opening or slot in the shoe can be shaped and/or markers can be positioned about the opening or slot to function as a guide or a positioning features to enable the user to out a material in a desired location; however, this is not required. When a light and/or laser is used on the reciprocating saw, the light and/or laser can be directed to shine light into and/or about opening or slot; however, this is not required.
The reciprocating saw can include a quick blade release button 200; however, this is not required. The quick blade release button 200, when used, can be positioned near the front end of the main body portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the size, shape, operation, and location of the quick blade release button are non-limiting. In operation, the quick blade release button is typically depressed so as to cause the reciprocating saw blades to become unlocked and removable from the main body portion of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. The quick blade release button can also be designed to be depressed so as to allow the reciprocating saw blades to be connected to the main body portion of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. The type of quick disconnect arrangement used for the blades is non-limiting.
As can be appreciated, a quick disconnect arrangement is not required for use on the reciprocating saw. When a quick disconnect arrangement is not used, the one or more reciprocating saw blades can be connected/disconnected from the main body of the reciprocating saw by use of washers, hex screws, etc. which require tools (e.g., screw driver, pliers, wrench, etc.) to remove and/or attach one or both reciprocating saw blades to the main body of the reciprocating saw.
The reciprocating saw can include a light or laser 400 that can be used to guide the reciprocating saw blades during the cutting of material and/or illuminate the material during the cutting of the material. The light or laser 400 can be activated by a switch that is located on the handle and/or main body portion of the reciprocating saw. In one non-limiting arrangement, the switch is positioned beneath the surface of the handle and is designed to be activated and cause the light or laser 400 to illuminate when a user gasps the handle and to turn off when the user releases the handle; however, this is not required. Alternatively, a switch 170 can be positioned on the handle or main body portion to enable a user to manually activate/deactivate the light or laser. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The reciprocating saw of the present invention can be use with one or two reciprocating saw blades 400, 500. When two reciprocating saw blades are used, the reciprocating saw blades may or may not be connected together. As illustrated in
The configuration of the teeth 430, 530 on the reciprocating saw blades 400, 500 is non-limiting. The reciprocating saw blades may or may not include cutting teeth. The teeth on the reciprocating saw blades can be located on one side or both sides of the reciprocating saw blades. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one non-limiting tooth configuration for one or more of the reciprocating saw blades, one or more of the teeth have a top edge that is both angled and tapered; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the top edge or surface of one or more teeth can have an angled surface, a tapered surface, or both an angled and tapered surface. The angle of the angled surface and the angle of the tapered surface is non-limiting. The angled and/or tapered surface can be continuous along the length of the tooth; however, this is not required. The angle of the angled and/or tapered surface can be constant or vary along the length of the tooth. For example, the angle of the one or more tapers of one or more teeth relative to the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating saw blade is about 5-70°, generally about 10°-60°, typically about 15°-45°, and more typically about 30°; however, it will be appreciated, that other taper angles can be used.
In one non-limiting configuration, the angled and/or tapered surface, when used, is selected to cause one or both blades to more toward one another when cutting through a material; however, this is not required. Such a configuration can result in the elimination of a blade connector such as a connector illustrated in
Intermediate teeth, not shown, can be positioned between the main teeth of the reciprocating saw blades. The intermediate teeth, when used, can be tall or shorted than the main teeth.
The teeth shape, tapered surface and/or the outward angling of one or more teeth on one or both reciprocating saw blades is generally used to 1) improve the cutting of material by one or both reciprocating saw blades, 2) cause the two reciprocating saw blades to be pushed together during the cutting of material, 3) reduce the wear on one or both reciprocating saw blades when cutting material, 4) reduce the vibration and/or jerking action caused by one or both reciprocating saw blades during the cutting of material, 5) enable one or both reciprocating saw blades to cut material on both the forward and return stroke of one or both reciprocating saw blades, 6) balance the cutting action of the two reciprocating saw blades, 7) improve the accuracy of the cut in a material by the two reciprocating saw blades, 8) form smoother cuts through a material, 8) reduce the fatigue on the user during the cutting of material, and/or 9) facilitate in the removal of cut material during the cutting of the material by one or both reciprocating saw blades. As can be appreciated, the tapered surface and/or the outward angling of one or more teeth on one or both reciprocating saw blades can have other or additional functions.
The material used to form the reciprocating saw blades is non-limiting. The front end of the reciprocating saw blades can be pointed, rounded, hook-shaped, or have some other shape. The tooth profile and/or tooth spacing can be the same along the longitudinal length of the reciprocating saw blades or vary along the longitudinal length of the reciprocating saw blades. When teeth are located on both sides of the reciprocating saw blades, the tooth configuration can be the same or different on both sides of the reciprocating saw blades. Generally, the length, thickness, height (width), shape and material of the two reciprocating saw blades is the same; however, this is not required. The height (width) of one or both reciprocating saw blades can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length of the reciprocating saw blades. In one non-limiting configuration, the height (width) of both reciprocating saw blades varies along the longitudinal length of the reciprocating saw blades. As illustrated in
The gear arrangement used to cause one or both reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate is non-limiting. The gear arrangement can be designed to cause one or both reciprocating saw blades to reciprocate in a single plane, or cause one or both reciprocating saw blades to travel an elliptical or orbital path during the reciprocation of one or both reciprocating saw blades. When two reciprocating saw blades are reciprocated by the reciprocating saw, generally both reciprocating saw blades move in the same path or plane; however, this is not required.
Referring now to gear arrangement 700 illustrated in
The gear arrangement 700 includes a main gear housing 710 and a housing plate 720 which can be connected to the main gear housing by one or more screws 730. As can be appreciated, the gear arrangement can include less than two or more than two housing components. The shape and size of the housing components are non-limiting. The manner in which the housing components are connected together is non-limiting. The materials used to form in the housing components are non-limiting. Generally, all of the housing components of the gear arrangement are located in the main body portion of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. The front portion 640 of the armature extends through an opening in main gear housing 710. The end of the tapered end 642 of the front portion generally includes a gear region that is designed to mesh with the teeth, not shown, on main gear 740. Main gear 740 is designed to rotate about an axis that is non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the armature. Generally, the axis of rotation of the armature is normal to the axis of rotation of the main gear; however, this is not required. The main gear is connected to a gear axle 750. Washers and bearings 760, 762, 764 can be used to facilitate in the connection to the main gear housing and/or rotational movement of the gear axle relative to the main gear housing; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, many different arrangements can be used to enable the main gear to be rotated by the armature.
An eccentric cam 770 is designed to be connected to the main gear 740 and/or gear axle 750 and rotate with the main gear and the gear axle when the armature is caused to be rotated by motor. Eccentric cam 770 includes first and second mount surfaces 772, 774. The center of the eccentric cam 770 includes an opening 776 that is designed to receive a portion of gear axle 750. Cam rings 780, 782 can be optionally connected to first and second mount surfaces 772, 774.
Gear arrangement 700 includes an arm carrier housing system that includes a first carrier housing 790 and a second carrier housing 792. The first and second carrier housings are designed to be connected to gear housing 710, through housing plate 720. One or more screws 730 or some other or additional connection means can be used to connect the first and second carrier housings to housing plate and the gear housing (e.g., adhesive, solder bond, melt bond, weld bead, rivet, nut and bolt, snap lock arrangement, clamp arrangement, etc.). The arm carrier housing system is designed to hold together and/or guide the movement of the two connecting arms 800, 810. The two connecting arms include atop opening 802, 804 that is designed to be connected to eccentric cam 770. Top opening 802 of connecting arm 800 is designed to connect to first mount surface 772 of eccentric cam 770, and top opening 812 of connecting arm 810 is designed to connect to second mount surface 774 of eccentric cam 770.
During operation, when eccentric cam 770 is caused to rotate by the motor, the eccentric cam 770 moves in a circular path. As the eccentric cam rotates, the two connecting aims 800, 810 are caused to reciprocate in opposite directions from one another. The cam rings 780, 782, when used, can facilitate on the movement of the first and second mount surfaces 772, 774 of the eccentric cam 770 within top openings 802, 804. The arm carrier housing system causes the two connecting arms to move in an axis that is parallel or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the armature; however, this is not required.
The end of the two connecting arms 800, 810 includes a quick disconnect arrangement 300. As mentioned above, the quick disconnect arrangement is used to connect/disconnect reciprocating saw blades 400, 500 to/from the reciprocating saw.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
The gear arrangement 900 includes a main gear housing 910. As can be appreciated, the gear arrangement can include more than one housing component. The shape and size of the housing component are non-limiting. The material used to form the housing component is non-limiting. Generally, the housing component of the gear arrangement is located in the main body portion of the reciprocating saw; however, this is not required. The front portion 640 of the armature extends through an opening in main gear housing 910. The end of the tapered end 642 of the front portion generally includes a gear region that is designed to mesh with the teeth, not shown, on main gear 940. Main gear 940 is designed to rotate about an axis that is non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the armature. Generally, the axis of rotation of the armature is normal to the axis of rotation of the main gear; however, this is not required. The main gear is connected to a gear axle 950. Washers, bearings and screws 960, 962, 964, 966 can be used to facilitate in the connection to the main gear housing and/or rotational movement of the gear axle relative to the main gear housing; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, many different arrangements can be used to enable the main gear to be rotated by the armature.
An eccentric gear 970 is designed to be connected to the main gear 940 and rotate with the main gear when the armature is caused to be rotated by motor. The eccentric gear 970 includes two sets of pin openings 972, 974 and 976, 978. The pin openings are used secure first and second eccentric cams 980, 990 to the eccentric gear. Pins 1000, 1002 are used to secure eccentric cam 980 to the top surface of the eccentric gear and pins 1004, 1006 are used to secure eccentric cam 990 to the bottom surface of the eccentric gear. Eccentric cam 980 includes an opening 982 and a slot 984. The first ends of pins 1000, 1002 are designed to connect to openings 976, 978 in eccentric gear 970. The second end of pins 1000, 1002 are designed to connect to openings 942, 944 of main gear 940. The body of pins 1000, 1002 is designed to pass through opening 982 and a slot 984 of eccentric cam 980 such that eccentric cam 980 is positioned between the bottom surface of main gear 940 and the top surface of eccentric gear 970. Eccentric cam 980 is designed to be movable when positioned between main gear 940 and eccentric gear 970 as will be discussed in more detail below. Eccentric cam 990 includes an opening 992 and a slot 994. The first ends of pins 1004, 1006 are designed to be positioned in opening 992 and slot 994 in eccentric cam 990. The second end of pins 1004, 1006 are designed to connect to openings 972, 974 of eccentric gear 970. Eccentric cam 990 is designed to be movable relative to eccentric gear 970 as will be discussed in more detail below.
The outer perimeter of eccentric cam 980 is designed to be positioned in opening 1102 of connecting arm 1100 and the outer perimeter of eccentric cam 990 is designed to be positioned in opening 1202 of connecting arm 1200. The end of connecting aim 1100 includes a connection opening 1104 that is used to connect the end of connecting arm 1100 to rear end 1402 of blade carrier arm 1400. A pin 1404 can be used to secure connecting arm 1100 to blade carrier arm 1400. Likewise, the end of connecting arm 1200 includes a connection opening 1304 that is used to connect the end of connecting arm 1200 to rear end 1302 of blade carrier arm 1300. A pin 1304 can be used to secure connecting arm 1200 to blade carrier arm 1300.
One or more gear retainers and connectors 1500, 1502, and 1504 can be used to maintain the gears and cams of the gear arrangement is place relative to the gear housing by screws 1506 or some other or additional connecting means. The configuration and type of gear retainers and connectors used is non-limiting. Gear arrangement 900 can include an arm carrier housing 1600 that is designed to be connected to main gear housing 910 by one or more screws 1602 or some other or additional connection means (e.g., adhesive, solder bond, melt bond, weld bead, rivet, nut and bolt, snap lock arrangement, clamp arrangement, etc.). The arm carrier housing is designed to hold together and/or guide the movement of the two blade carrier arms 1300, 1400 during the reciprocation of the two blade carrier arms, as well as to inhibit or prevent dirt, debris, cut material, etc., from entering the main gear housing. Guide plates 1700, 1702 can also be used to hold together and/or guide the movement of the two blade carrier arms 1300, 1400 during the reciprocation of the two blade carrier arms. The guide plates can be designed to be connected to the front end of the main gear housing 910 by one or more screws 1602 or some other or additional connection means (e.g., adhesive, solder bond, melt bond, weld bead, rivet, nut and bolt, snap lock arrangement, clamp arrangement, etc.); however, this is not required.
The front ends of the two blade carrier arms 1300, 1400 can be connected to a quick disconnect arrangement 300 or some other connection arrangement that is used to secure the reciprocating saw blades 400, 500 to the two blade carrier arms.
During operation, when main gear 940 and eccentric gear 970 are caused to rotate by the motor, the main gear and eccentric gear move in a circular path. As the eccentric gear rotates, the two eccentric cams that are connected off-center to the eccentric gear are also cause to rotate. As the two eccentric cams rotate with the eccentric gear, the two connecting arms 110, 1200 are caused to reciprocate in opposite directions from one another. The reciprocation of the two connecting arms causes the two blade carrier arms 1300, 1400 to also reciprocate in opposite directions from one another. The arm carrier housing system causes the two blade carrier arms to move in an axis that is parallel or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the armature; however, this is not required. The end of the two blade carrier arms can include a quick disconnect arrangement 300; however, this is not required. As mentioned above, the quick disconnect arrangement is used to connect/disconnect reciprocating saw blades 400, 500 to/from the reciprocating saw. As mentioned above, a quick disconnect arrangement is not required for use on the reciprocating saw. When a quick disconnect arrangement is not used, the one or more reciprocating saw blades can be connected/disconnected from the main body of the reciprocating saw by use of washers, hex screws, etc. which require tools (e.g., screw driver, pliers, wrench, etc.) to remove and/or attach one or both reciprocating saw blades to the main body of the reciprocating saw.
The gear arrangement is designed to change the stroke length depending of the rotation of the armature.
The dual stroke option is a significant advantage over single stroke reciprocating saws. A single stroke reciprocating saw generally has a fixed stroke depth anywhere between 0.75-1.25 inches. The dual stroke reciprocating saw of the present invention can produce a first stroke length of about 0.6-0.8 inches (e.g., 0.75 inches, etc.) and a second stroke length of about 1-1.5 inches (e.g., 1.25 inches, etc.). As can be appreciated, other stroke ranges can be used for the first and/or second stroke length.
As can be appreciated, gear arrangement 900 can be converted into a single stroke arrangement by merely preventing the eccentric cams 980, 990 from moving relative to eccentric gear 970. This arrangement can be simple accomplished by eliminating slots 984, 994; or eliminating the eccentric cams and having the connecting arms 1100, 1200 connected to the eccentric gear. As can be appreciated, other arrangements can be used to create a single strike or multi-stroke gear arrangement for a reciprocating saw.
It can also be appreciated that gear arrangement 900 can be converted to a single blade saw with adjustable stroke by merely eliminating one set of eccentric cam 990, connecting arm 1200, blade carrier arm 1300, and miscellaneous pins 1004, 1006, and 1304.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the arm upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. These and other modifications of the preferred embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be obvious from the disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/449,902 filed Mar. 7, 2011; 61/450,196 filed Mar. 8, 2011; 61/450,244 filed Mar. 8, 2011; 61/482,463 filed May 4, 2011; 61/483,267 filed May 6, 2011; 61/529,372 filed Aug. 31, 2011; 61/547,092 filed Oct. 14, 2011; and 61/560,457 filed Nov. 16, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is related cutting devices, particularly directed to power saws, more particularly directed to a power saw that includes a plurality of saw blades that can be moved independently of one another, and still more particularly to a power saw that includes two saw blades that can be simultaneously moved in opposite directions to one another during the cutting of material.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US12/27380 | 3/2/2012 | WO | 00 | 10/31/2013 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61449902 | Mar 2011 | US | |
| 61450196 | Mar 2011 | US | |
| 61450244 | Mar 2011 | US | |
| 61482463 | May 2011 | US | |
| 61483267 | May 2011 | US | |
| 61529372 | Aug 2011 | US | |
| 61547092 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61560457 | Nov 2011 | US |
