Movable handle for a power tool

Abstract
A movable handle for a power tool. The power tool comprises a housing, a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element about an axis, and a handle supported by the housing for rotation relative to the housing about the axis. Preferably, the power tool is a circular saw. The circular saw further comprises a switch assembly supported on the handle for movement with the handle and means for connecting the switch to the motor to accommodate movement of the switch relative to the motor. The switch assembly is electrically connectable to the motor and selectively connects the motor to a power source, and the connecting means includes a wiring arrangement. The circular saw further comprises a locking assembly for locking the handle in a position relative to the housing. Also, the circular saw preferably comprises means for preventing the switch assembly from connecting the motor to the power source when the locking assembly is in the unlocked condition and means for preventing the locking assembly from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition when the switch assembly is in the operated condition.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to power tools and, more particularly, to a handle arrangement for power tools.




A power tool, such as a circular saw, generally includes a housing supporting a motor which rotatably drives a tool element, such as a saw blade. Typically, an operator's handle is integrally formed with the housing. In a circular saw, a shoe plate supports the saw on the surface of a workpiece.




In some circular saws, the housing is adjustable relative to the shoe plate to change the depth of cut of the saw blade. For example, the housing may pivot relative to the shoe plate about an axis adjacent the front of the shoe plate (front pivot depth adjustment) or about an axis adjacent the rear of the shoe plate (rear pivot depth adjustment). In another construction, the shoe plate is slidably lowered and raised relative to the housing (drop shoe depth adjustment). In each of these depth adjustment arrangements, when the depth of cut of the saw blade is adjusted, the position and/or orientation of the handle relative to the workpiece is also adjusted.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 discloses a modular housing system for a circular saw. The circular saw includes a single, one-piece housing having an interface portion which interchangeably mounts either a pivot adjust subassembly or a vertical (drop shoe) adjust subassembly for changing the depth of cut of the circular saw. The main handle can have either a “push handle” configuration or a “top handle” configuration. The selected handle component is slipped onto the one-piece field case and secured by fasteners.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




One of the problems with a circular saw including an operator's handle that is integrally formed with the housing, is that, in some cutting operations, the operator may prefer a “push handle” to a “top handle” or vice versa. However, the operator cannot adjust the handle to the desired position relative to the housing. Another problem with a circular saw with an integral handle is that, when the depth of cut of the saw blade is adjusted, the handle position and orientation also changes. The resulting handle position is often uncomfortable and is seldom the optimal position for operation of the circular saw.




For example, in a circular saw with a front pivot depth adjustment assembly, at full depth of cut, the handle is typically positioned as a “push handle”. At a minimum depth of cut, the handle position is changed to a “top handle” position. In a circular saw with a rear pivot depth adjustment assembly, at full depth of cut, the handle must be oriented above a typical “push handle” position because, when the saw is adjusted to a minimum depth of cut, the handle is lowered.




One problem with the handle arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 is that the circular saw includes two separate handles. The handle component that is not in use must be stored and may be lost or damaged.




Another problem with the handle arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 is that the saw includes a handle that is only a “push handle” or a “top handle” and that is not adjustable between these configurations. Additional fasteners are also required.




The present invention provides a handle arrangement for a power tool that alleviates the problems with the above-described handle arrangements. The invention provides a power tool, such as a circular saw, that includes a handle that is movable relative to the motor housing. Preferably, the handle is pivotable about the axis of the saw blade relative to the motor housing.




Also, the invention provides a locking assembly for locking the handle in a position relative to the housing. Preferably, the locking assembly provides a frictional engagement between the handle and the housing and includes a clamping member that releasably applies a clamping force to the housing to lock the handle in a position relative to the housing. Preferably, the locking assembly also provides a positive engagement between the handle and the housing and includes inter-engaging teeth formed on both the handle and the housing.




Further, the invention provides means for connecting the switch to the motor to accommodate movement of the switch with the handle and relative to the motor. Preferably, the connecting means are provided by a wiring arrangement.




In addition, the invention provides interaction between the switch and the locking assembly to prevent inadvertent operation of one when the other is operated. Specifically, the switch preferably cannot be operated when the locking assembly is unlocked, and the locking assembly cannot be unlocked when the switch is connecting the motor to the power source.




One advantage of the present invention is that the handle is movable relative to the housing of the power tool to allow the operator to position the handle as desired for a given cutting operation. As a result, the operator can adjust the handle to a position that is most comfortable and allows the greatest control of the circular saw during cutting operations.




Another advantage of the present invention is that, when the circular saw is adjusted to change the depth of cut of the saw blade, the operator can also adjust the handle to an optimum position for the given cutting operation.




Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the circular saw does not include additional components that must be substituted for one another to change the configuration of the handle or additional fasteners. This reduces the chance that such an additional component is lost or damaged and also eliminates the need to store additional components.




A further advantage of the present invention is that the handle is adjustable to substantially any position between a first position, such as a “push handle” position, and a second position, such as a “top handle” position.




Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.











DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIGS. 1A

,


1


B and


1


C are side views of a power tool embodying the invention and illustrating the adjustment of the handle arrangement.





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the power tool shown in

FIGS. 1A-1C

.





FIG. 3

is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the power tool shown in

FIG. 2

with portions cut away.





FIG. 4

is a side partial cross-sectional view of the handle arrangement shown in FIG.


3


.





FIG. 5

is a view similar to that shown in FIG.


4


and illustrating the locking assembly in an unlocked condition.





FIG. 6

is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the handle arrangement shown in FIG.


4


.





FIG. 7

is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the handle arrangement shown in FIG.


4


.





FIG. 8A

is a view taken generally along line


8


A—


8


A in FIG.


6


.





FIG. 8B

is a view similar to that shown in FIG.


8


A and illustrating the shuttle switch in a lateral position.











Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




A power tool embodying the invention is illustrated in FIG.


1


A. In the illustrated construction, the power tool is a circular saw


10


and includes a motor housing


14


supporting an electric motor


18


(shown schematically in FIG.


1


A). The motor


18


is connectable to a power source and is operable to rotatably drive a tool element, such as a saw blade


22


, about an axis


26


to cut a workpiece W.




The circular saw


10


also includes (see

FIGS. 1A-1C

) a shoe plate


30


connected to the housing


14


for pivotal movement about a pivot axis


34


. The shoe plate


30


has a support surface


38


for supporting the circular saw


10


on the surface of the workpiece W. An aperture


42


is defined by the shoe plate


30


. A portion of the saw blade


22


extends through the aperture


42


to cut the workpiece W.

FIG. 1A

illustrates the shoe plate


30


adjusted so that the saw blade


22


is at a maximum depth of cut.

FIGS. 1B and 1C

illustrate the shoe plate


30


adjusted so that the saw blade


22


is at a minimum depth of cut.




In the illustrated construction, the circular saw


10


includes a front pivot depth adjustment assembly


46


to adjust the depth of cut of the saw blade


22


. The depth adjustment assembly


46


includes a pivot member


50


defining the pivot axis


34


and pivotally connecting the shoe plate


30


to the housing


14


. As shown in

FIG. 1B

, a guide member


54


cooperates with a depth adjustment locking member


58


(shown in phantom) to lock the shoe plate


30


in a pivoted position relative to the housing


14


thereby fixing the depth of cut of the saw blade


22


. A depth adjustment lever


62


operates the locking member


58


between locked and unlocked positions.




In other constructions (not shown), the circular saw


10


may include, for example, a rear pivot depth adjustment assembly or a drop shoe depth adjustment assembly rather than the front pivot depth adjustment assembly


46


. It should be understood that the present invention applies to a circular saw with any type of depth adjustment assembly.




The circular saw


10


also includes (see

FIGS. 2-6

) a movable handle arrangement


66


. The movable handle arrangement


66


includes a main operator's handle member


70


movably supported on a support portion


72


of the housing


14


so that the position of the handle member


70


is adjustable relative to the housing


14


. Further, with the depth adjustment assembly


46


locked and the saw blade


22


at a desired depth of cut, the handle member


70


is adjustable relative to the shoe plate


30


and relative to the surface of the workpiece W (as shown in the change of position between FIGS.


1


B and


1


C).




In the illustrated construction, the handle member


70


has (see

FIGS. 4-6

) opposite handle halves


74


and a rearward grip member


78


. Further, in the illustrated construction, the handle member


70


is supported to be pivotable about the axis


26


of the saw blade


22


relative to the housing


14


. However, in other constructions (not shown), the handle member


70


may be pivotable about an axis that is generally parallel to the axis


26


. Also, in yet other constructions (not shown), the handle member


70


may be slidable along an axis normal to the axis


26


relative to the housing


14


. The circular saw


10


also includes (see

FIGS. 3-7

) a locking assembly


82


to fix the handle member


70


on the support portion


72


of the housing


14


in a pivoted position relative to the housing


14


. As explained in more detail below, the locking assembly


82


is operable between a locked condition (shown in FIGS.


4


and


6


), in which the handle member


70


is fixed in a position relative to the housing


14


, and an unlocked condition (shown in FIG.


5


), in which the position of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


is adjustable.




The locking assembly


82


includes (see

FIGS. 3-7

) a locking member


86


which, in the illustrated construction, is a clamping band movably supported on the handle member


70


to releasably apply a clamping force to the support portion


72


of the housing


14


. As shown in

FIGS. 4 and 5

, one end


90


of the locking member


86


is fixed to a stud


94


formed on the handle member


70


. The other end


98


of the locking member


86


supports a through pin


100


and is movably connected to the handle member


70


, as explained in more detail below. The handle member


70


and the locking member


86


are connected about the support portion


72


of the housing


14


.




The locking assembly


82


also includes (see

FIGS. 3-7

) an actuating member


102


for moving the locking member


86


between a locked position and an unlocked position corresponding to the locked condition and the unlocked condition, respectively, of the locking assembly


82


. The actuating member


102


is pivotably supported on the handle member


70


and includes a cam-shaped portion


106


and a lever portion


110


. A tapped pin


114


is supported off-center in the cam-shaped portion


106


, and an annular opening


118


is formed in the cam-shaped portion


106


. A tab


122


extends from the lower surface of the lever portion


110


.




To movably connect the end


98


of the locking member


86


to the handle member


70


, the locking assembly


82


also includes a threaded pin


126


which engages the through pin


100


connected to the end


98


of the locking member


86


. The threaded pin


126


also extends through the tapped pin


114


supported in the cam-shaped portion


106


of the actuating member


102


. The annular opening


118


accommodates pivoting movement of the actuating member


102


relative to the threaded pin


126


.




To move the locking member


86


between the locked and unlocked positions, the actuating member


102


is pivoted, moving the threaded pin


126


and the end


98


of the locking member


86


. As the actuating member


102


is moved from the locked position (shown in

FIG. 4

) to the unlocked position (shown in FIG.


5


), the threaded pin


126


is moved in the direction of arrow A. The locking member


86


is thus moved to the unlocked position (as shown in

FIG. 5

) and does not apply a clamping force to the support portion


72


to fix the handle member


70


in position relative to the housing


14


.




To move the locking member


86


to the locked position, the actuating member


102


is moved from the unlocked position (shown in

FIG. 5

) to the locked position (shown in

FIG. 4

) causing the threaded pin


126


to be in the direction opposite to arrow A. The locking member


86


is thus moved to the locked position (shown in

FIG. 4

) and applies a clamping force to the support portion


72


of the housing


14


.




In the unlocked position (shown in FIG.


5


), the threaded pin


126


is adjustable to change the clamping force applied by the locking member


86


when the locking member


86


is in the locked position. With the actuating member


102


in the unlocked position, the exposed end


128


of the threaded pin


126


is accessible by the operator to threadably loosen or tighten the locking member


86


. This adjustment of the locking member


86


may be necessary due to manufacturing tolerances or may become necessary due to wear of the movable handle arrangement


66


.




The locking assembly


82


also includes (see

FIGS. 3-5

) inter-engaging teeth


130


formed on the support portion


72


of the housing


14


and on the handle member


70


. The inter-engaging teeth


130


provide a plurality of complementary locking projections


134


and locking recesses


138


formed on the support portion


72


of the housing


14


and on the handle member


70


. As shown in

FIG. 3

, the clamping force applied by the locking member


86


to the housing


14


causes close engagement of the inter-engaging teeth


130


. As shown in

FIG. 5

, release of the clamping force allows the inter-engaging teeth


130


to be disengaged and moved relative to each other.




In the preferred embodiment, the locking assembly


82


provides both a frictional engagement, through the clamping force applied by locking member


86


to the support portion


72


of the housing


14


, and a positive engagement, through the inter-engaging teeth


130


. In other constructions (not shown), however, the locking assembly


82


may only provide either a frictional engagement or a positive engagement.




For example, the locking assembly


82


may include only the frictional engagement provided by a locking member, similar to the locking member


86


, applying a clamping force to the support portion of the housing


14


. Alternatively, the locking assembly


82


may provide only the positive engagement, such as by a locking projection that is engageable with a locking recess to fix the handle member


70


in a position relative to the housing


14


. Such a positive engagement could be provided by a detent assembly between the handle member


70


and the support portion


72


of the housing


14


with locking recesses corresponding to respective positions of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


.




The circular saw


10


also includes (see

FIGS. 3-7

) a switch assembly


142


for selectively connecting the motor


18


to the power source to energize the motor


18


. The switch assembly


142


is operable between an unoperated condition, in which the motor


18


is not connected to the power source, and an operated condition, in which the motor


18


is connected to the power source. The switch assembly


142


includes a depressable trigger


146


connected to an on/off switch


150


. In the illustrated construction, the trigger


146


and the switch


150


are mounted for movement with the handle member


70


and relative to the motor


18


.




The circular saw


10


also includes means for connecting the switch


150


to the motor


18


. The connecting means accommodates movement of the switch


150


relative to the motor


18


so that, in any position of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


, the switch


150


is operable to selectively connect the motor


18


to the power source.




In the illustrated construction, the connecting means includes a wiring arrangement


154


(see

FIGS. 3-5

) to electrically connected the switch


150


to the motor


18


. The wiring arrangement


154


includes wires


158


extending through a narrow opening


160


in the handle member


70


and connected to the motor


18


by respective connectors


162


. The wiring arrangement


154


includes an amount of wire


158


sufficient to accommodate movement of the switch


150


to the extreme pivoted positions (shown in solid and phantom lines in

FIG. 3

) of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


. The narrow opening


160


limits the movement of one end of the wires


158


thereby locating the wires


158


during movement of the handle member


70


. The connectors


162


limit the movement of other end of wires


158


.




In another construction (not shown), the connecting means may include a fixed first conductor mounted on the housing


14


and electrically connected to the motor


18


. The first conductor extends along the path of movement of the handle member


70


. In this construction, the connecting means also includes a movable second conductor fixed to the handle member


70


and electrically connected to the switch


150


. The second conductor is movably connected to the first conductor and moves along the first conductor to thereby maintain the electrical connection between the switch


150


and the motor


18


at any position of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


.




In yet another construction (not shown), the connecting means may include a remote transmitter and sensor combination to connect the switch


150


to the motor


18


. In this construction, the transmitter is fixed to and moves with the handle member


70


. The transmitter transmits a signal based on the condition of the switch


150


, for example, an “ON” signal or an “OFF” signal. The sensor or receiver is mounted on the housing


14


and electrically connected to the motor


18


. The sensor senses the transmitted signal and, if, for example, the “ON” signal is transmitted, connects the motor


18


to the power source. In this construction, the power source is directly connectable to the motor


18


, rather than being connected through the switch


150


.




A cover


166


is positioned over the motor


18


and the connecting means. In the illustrated construction, the cover


166


includes a channel


170


that accommodates movement of the wires


156


between the extreme pivoted positions (shown in solid and phantom lines in FIG.


3


). The channel


170


also insures that the wiring arrangement


154


is protected and not damaged during movement of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


.




The circular saw


10


also includes (see

FIGS. 4-7

) means for preventing the switch assembly


142


from connecting the motor


18


to the power source when the locking assembly


82


is in the unlocked condition. Further, the circular saw


10


includes means for preventing the locking assembly


82


from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition when the switch assembly


142


is in the operated condition. The locking assembly


82


and the switch assembly


142


interact to prevent unintentional operation of one assembly when the other assembly is being operated.




The preventing means are provided by a locking plate


174


which interacts with both the locking assembly


82


and the switch assembly


142


. The locking plate


174


includes an end


178


for engagement with the tab


122


of the actuating member


102


. At the other end, the locking plate


174


includes a blocking portion


182


and an aperture


186


. A depressable button


188


is connected to the locking plate


174


. The button


188


includes an elongated portion to provide a debris barrier. A spring member


190


biases the locking plate


174


toward engagement with the actuating member


102


(in the direction of arrow B in FIGS.


4


and


5


).




As shown in

FIG. 5

, with the locking assembly


82


in the unlocked condition, the locking plate


174


is moved by the spring member


190


in the direction of arrow B to a position in which the blocking portion


182


engages an upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


. In this position, movement of the trigger


146


is prevented, thereby preventing the switch


150


from connecting the motor


18


to the power source.




During movement of the actuating member


102


to the locked position, the tab


122


engages the end


178


and moves the locking plate


174


in the direction opposite to arrow B. Alternatively, the operator depresses the button


188


to move the locking plate


174


. Once the actuating member


102


is in the locked position, the end


178


engages in the recess formed on the tab


122


.




As shown in

FIG. 4

, with the locking assembly


82


in the locked condition, the locking plate


174


is in a position in which the upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


is movable into the aperture


186


. In this position, the locking plate


174


does not block movement of the trigger


146


and does not prevent the switch


150


from connecting the motor


18


to the power source.




In order to move the actuating member


102


to the unlocked position, the locking plate


174


must be moved in the direction opposite to arrow B. To move the locking plate


174


, the operator depresses the button


188


, disengaging the end


178


from recess formed on the tab


122


. In the illustrated construction, the actuating member


102


cannot be moved to the unlocked position without the operator depressing the button


188


. This reduces the likelihood that the actuating member


102


can be accidentally moved to the unlocked position and that the locking assembly


82


can be accidentally released.




In another construction (not shown), the locking plate


174


does not include the button


188


. An unlocking force applied by the operator to move the actuating member


102


to the unlocked position causes the tab


122


to move the locking plate


174


in the direction opposite to arrow B. In such a construction, the configuration of the tab


122


would ensure that the required unlocking force is much greater than a force that would be applied if, for example, the operator accidentally pulled on the actuating member


102


. This construction also reduces the likelihood of the locking assembly


82


being accidentally unlocked.




In either construction, however, when the trigger


146


is depressed (as shown in solid lines in FIG.


4


), the upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


engages the forward wall of the aperture


186


, and the locking plate


174


is prevented from moving in the direction opposite to arrow B. Thus, the locking plate


174


provides a means for preventing the locking assembly


82


from being moved from the locked condition to the unlocked condition when the switch assembly


142


is in the operated condition.




With the trigger in the unoperated condition (as shown in phantom lines in FIG.


4


), the upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


does not engage the forward wall of the aperture


186


. The locking plate


174


can be moved in the direction opposite to arrow B, and the actuating member


102


can be moved to the unlocked position (shown in FIG.


5


).




In other constructions (not shown), the preventing means may be provided by other mechanical interaction between the locking assembly


82


and the switch assembly


142


. For example, the preventing means may be provided by direct interaction (not shown) between the trigger


146


and the actuating member


102


without an additional component such as the locking plate


174


.




In yet other constructions, the preventing means may be provided by non-mechanical means, such as by additional electrical switches which must be operated to enable operation of the locking assembly


82


and/or the switch assembly


142


. For example, the locking assembly


82


can include a switch (not shown) electrically connected to the switch


150


. This additional switch would prevent the switch


150


from connecting the motor


18


to the power source when the locking assembly


82


is in the unlocked condition.




In the illustrated construction, the switch assembly


142


also includes (see

FIGS. 3-7

,


8


A and


8


B) a shuttle switch


198


for further preventing unintentional operation of the trigger


146


, thereby further preventing unintentional operation of the switch


150


and the motor


18


. The shuttle switch


198


is supported for lateral movement (in the direction of arrow C in

FIGS. 8A and 8B

) by the handle member


70


. The shuttle switch


198


includes (see

FIGS. 8A and 8B

) two ribs


202


and defines three pockets


206


. A biasing member


210


(see

FIG. 6

) biases the shuttle switch


198


to a centered position (as shown in FIG.


8


A).




With the shuttle switch


198


in the centered position (shown in FIG.


8


A), the upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


contacts the ribs


202


, preventing the switch


150


from connecting the motor


18


to the power source. To operate the switch


150


, the shuttle switch


198


must first be moved laterally (in the direction of arrow C in

FIGS. 8A and 8B

) against the force of the biasing member


210


. With the shuttle switch


198


in a lateral position (such as that shown in FIG.


8


B), the upper portion


194


of the trigger


146


does not contact the ribs


202


but passes into the pockets


206


defined between the ribs


202


. The trigger


146


can thus operate the switch


150


to connect the motor


18


to the power source. It should be understood that the shuttle switch


198


can also be to a lateral position opposite to that shown in

FIG. 8B

to allow movement of the trigger


146


.




Movement of the shuttle switch


198


to a lateral position (such as that shown in

FIG. 8B

) does not affect operation of the trigger


146


when the locking assembly


82


is in the unlocked condition (as shown in FIG.


5


). Further, with the locking assembly


82


in the locked condition, the shuttle switch


198


must also be moved to the position shown in

FIGS. 4 and 8B

to allow the trigger


146


to be operated.




In operation, the operator selects the desired position of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


and ensures that the locking assembly


82


is in the locked condition as shown in

FIGS. 1A

,


2


and


4


. The operator then operates the circular saw


10


to cut the workpiece W.




When the operator wants to change the position of the handle member


70


relative to the housing


14


, for example, when the depth of cut of the saw blade


22


is adjusted, the operator first moves the switch assembly


142


to the unoperated condition by releasing the trigger


146


.




The operator can then move the locking assembly


82


to the unlocked condition. The button


188


is depressed, and the actuating member


102


is moved to the unlocked position (as shown in

FIG. 5

) so that the locking member


86


does not apply a clamping force to the support portion


72


of the housing


14


and the inter-engaging teeth


130


are disengaged. The handle member


70


is then moved to the desired position relative to the housing


14


, and the locking assembly


82


is moved to the locked condition. The locking member


86


applies the clamping force to the support portion


72


of the housing


14


, and the inter-engaging teeth


130


are engaged. To continue cutting operations, the operator then moves the shuttle switch


198


to a lateral position (such as that shown in FIG.


5


B), and depresses the trigger


146


to operate the motor


18


and cut the workpiece W.




As shown in

FIGS. 1A-1C

, the operator can adjust the handle member


70


after the depth of cut of the saw blade


22


has been adjusted to maintain a “push handle” orientation (illustrated in FIGS.


1


A and


1


C). The operator can also adjust the position of the handle member


70


to provide additional comfort to the operator. For example, if the operator is cutting a workpiece W that is positioned lower than the operator's waist, the operator might prefer a top handle position and may thus move the handle member


70


upwardly. Alternatively, in some cutting operations, the operator may prefer the “push handle” orientation to the “top handle” orientation. The operator can then move the handle member


70


from the higher “top handle” orientation to the lower “push handle” orientation.




Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.



Claims
  • 1. A power tool comprising:a housing; a motor supported by said housing and operable to drive a tool element relative to a first axis; a handle supported by said housing for movement relative to said housing about a second axis generally parallel to said first axis, said first axis and said second axis are fixed relative to said housing, said handle being shaped to be grasped by an operator to provide for movement of said power tool relative to a work piece; and a switch assembly supported on said handle for movement with said handle, said switch assembly being electrically connectable to said motor and operable to selectively connect said motor to a power source.
  • 2. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle is pivotable relative to said housing about said first axis.
  • 3. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising means for connecting said switch assembly to said motor to accommodate movement of said switch assembly with said handle and relative to said motor.
  • 4. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a locking assembly operable between a locked condition, in which said handle is fixed in a position relative to said housing, and an unlocked condition, in which said handle is movable relative to said housing.
  • 5. The power tool as set forth in claim 4 wherein said switch assembly is operable between an unoperated condition, in which said motor is not connected to the power source, and an operated condition, in which said motor is connected to the power source, and wherein said switch assembly, in the operated condition, prevents said locking assembly from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
  • 6. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein the power tool is a circular saw.
  • 7. A circular saw comprising:a motor operable to rotatably drive a saw blade about an axis; a motor housing supporting said motor; a main handle supported by said housing for movement relative to said housing, said main handle being graspable by an operator to provide for movement of said power tool relative to a work piece, said main handle being pivotable relative to said housing; and a locking assembly for locking said main handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 8. The circular saw as set forth in claim 7 wherein said main handle is pivotable about said axis.
  • 9. A circular saw comprising:a motor operable to rotatably drive a saw blade about an axis; a motor housing supporting said motor; a main handle supported by said housing for movement relative to said housing; and a switch assembly including a switch and supported by said main handle for movement with said main handle, said switch being electrically connectable to said motor and operable to selectively connect said motor to a power source.
  • 10. The circular saw as set forth in claim 9 wherein said switch assembly is movable relative to said motor, and wherein said circular saw further comprises a wiring arrangement electrically connecting said switch to said motor and accommodating movement of said switch assembly relative to said motor.
  • 11. A method for assembling a circular saw, said method comprising the acts of:providing a motor operable to rotatably drive a saw blade about an axis and connectable to a power source, a motor housing, and a handle; supporting the motor in the housing; and supporting the handle on the housing for movement relative to the housing.
  • 12. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said act of supporting the handle includes supporting the handle for pivoting movement relative to the housing.
  • 13. The method as set forth in claim 11 and further comprising the acts of:providing a switch assembly; supporting the switch assembly on the handle for movement with the handle relative to the housing; and electrically connecting the switch assembly to the motor so that the switch assembly is operable to selectively connect the motor to the power source.
  • 14. The method as set forth in claim 11 and further comprising the acts of:providing a locking assembly; supporting the locking assembly on at least one of the handle and the housing; and operating the locking assembly to lock the handle in a supported position relative to the housing.
  • 15. The method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said operating act includes applying a clamping force to one of the housing and the handle to lock the handle in a supported position relative to the housing.
  • 16. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said applying act includes applying the clamping force to the housing.
  • 17. A circular saw comprising:a motor operable to rotatably drive a saw blade about an axis; a motor housing supporting said motor; a handle supported by said housing for movement relative to said housing; and a locking assembly operable to lock said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 18. The circular saw as set forth in claim 17 wherein said locking assembly is operable between a locked condition, in which said handle is locked in a position relative to said housing, and an unlocked condition, in which said handle is movable relative to said housing.
  • 19. The circular saw as set forth in claim 17 wherein said locking assembly includesa locking protrusion formed on one of said handle and said housing, and a locking recess formed on the other of said handle and said housing, said locking protrusion being engageable with said locking recess to fix said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 20. The circular saw as set forth in claim 19 wherein said locking assembly includesa locking protrusion formed on one of said handle and said housing, and a plurality of locking recesses formed on the other of said handle and said housing, said locking protrusion being engageable with at least one of said plurality of locking recesses to fix said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 21. The circular saw as set forth in claim 19 wherein said locking assembly includesa plurality of locking protrusions formed on one of said handle and said housing, and a plurality of locking recesses formed on the other of said handle and said housing, said plurality of locking protrusions being engageable with said plurality of locking recesses to fix said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 22. The circular saw as set forth in claim 19 wherein said locking assembly includesa locking member operable between a locked position, in which said handle is fixed in a position relative to said housing, and an unlocked position, and an actuating member for operating said locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position.
  • 23. The circular saw as set forth in claim 22 wherein said handle has an upper surface, and wherein said actuating member is located on said upper surface.
  • 24. The circular saw as set forth in claim 22 wherein said actuating member includes a lever portion engageable by an operator and a cam portion connected to said lever portion, said cam portion biasing said actuating member to maintain said clamping member in the locked position.
  • 25. The circular saw as set forth in claim 22 wherein said locking member is a clamping member operable to apply, in the locked position, clamping force to one of said housing and said handle to fix said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 26. The circular saw as set forth in claim 25 wherein said locking assembly includes an adjustment member to adjust the clamping force applied by said clamping member.
  • 27. The circular saw as set forth in claim 25 wherein said clamping member is supported on said handle to selectively apply clamping force to said housing.
  • 28. The circular saw as set forth in claim 27 wherein said handle has first and second ends, wherein said clamping member has opposite ends, one opposite end being connected to said first end of said handle and the other opposite end being movably connected to said second end of said handle, and wherein said other opposite end of said clamping member is movable relative to said second end of said handle so that said clamping member selectively applies the clamping force to said housing.
  • 29. The circular saw as set forth in claim 28 wherein said locking assembly further includesa plurality of locking protrusions formed on one of said handle and said housing, and a plurality of locking recesses formed on the other of said handle and said housing, and wherein, when said clamping member applies clamping force to said housing, said plurality of locking protrusions is engageable with said plurality of locking recesses to fix said handle in a position relative to said housing.
  • 30. The circular saw as set forth in claim 29 wherein said plurality of locking protrusions and said plurality of locking recesses are provided by a plurality of inter-engaging teeth formed on each of said handle and said housing.
  • 31. The power tool as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle is a main handle, and wherein said power tool further comprises a second handle supported by the housing, said main handle and said second handle being graspable by an operator to provide for movement of said power tool relative to a work piece.
  • 32. A power tool comprising:a housing; a motor supported by said housing and operable to drive a tool element relative to a first axis; a handle supported by said housing for movement relative to said housing about a second axis generally parallel to said first axis, said first axis and said second axis being fixed relative to said housing, said handle being shaped to be grasped by an operator to provide for movement of said power tool relative to a work piece, said handle being movable relative to said housing between a first position and a second position, said handle being operable, in said first position and in said second position, to move said power tool relative to a work piece; and a switch assembly supported on said handle for movement with said handle, said switch assembly being electrically connectable to said motor and operable to selectively connect said motor to a power a source.
  • 33. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 wherein said handle is movable to a third position, said handle being operable in said third position to move said power tool relative to a work piece.
  • 34. The power tool as set forth in claim 33 wherein said third position is between said first position and said second position.
  • 35. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 wherein said handle is pivotable relative to said housing about said first axis.
  • 36. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 and further comprising means for connecting said switch assembly to said motor to accommodate movement of said switch assembly with said handle and relative to said motor.
  • 37. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 and further comprising a locking assembly operable between a locked condition, in which said handle is fixed in a position relative to said housing, and an unlocked condition, in which said handle is movable relative to said housing.
  • 38. The power tool as set forth in claim 37 wherein said switch assembly is operable between an unoperated condition, in which said motor is not connected to the power source, and an operated condition, in which said motor is connected to the power source, and wherein said switch assembly, in the operated condition, prevents said locking assembly from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
  • 39. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 wherein the power tool is a circular saw.
  • 40. The power tool as set forth in claim 32 wherein said handle is a main handle and further comprising of a second handle.
RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of patent application Ser. No. 09/618,217, filed Jul. 18, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,790, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/134,626, filed Aug. 14, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,916, issued Aug. 29, 2000.

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5005295 Fushiya Apr 1991 A
5075976 Young Dec 1991 A
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5687483 Neubert et al. Nov 1997 A
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Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number Date Country
0493033 Jul 1992 EP
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/134626 Aug 1998 US
Child 09/618217 US