Patent Application
20240066676
This application relates to a power tool accessory system with a plurality of accessories and a brace that removably and rigidly couples the accessories to a power tool housing.
Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,701,032, which is incorporated by reference discloses a power tool accessory (e.g., a shear accessory) that includes an accessory housing, an input shaft, a working tool, and a brace. The input shaft is driven by a power tool and drives the working tool. The brace rigidly connects the accessory housing to a power tool housing. The brace includes a collar coupled to the accessory housing, a clamp assembly that may be rigidly connected to the power tool housing, and an arm assembly connecting the collar to the clamp assembly. The collar allows selective rotation of the accessory housing relative to the collar while the brace rigidly couples the accessory housing to the power tool housing.
In an aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool having a tool housing and an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. The system further includes a brace configured to removably and rigidly couple the accessory housing to the tool housing while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing, the brace including a clamp assembly configured to be rigidly coupled to the power tool housing, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The second end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly while the clamp assembly remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing to enable removal of the power tool accessory from the end effector.
In another aspect, a brace is configured to removable and rigidly couple a housing of a power tool accessory to a tool housing of a power tool, the power tool accessory having a rotatable input shaft configured to be coupled to a rotatable end effector of the power tool. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be rigidly coupled to the power tool housing, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The second end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly while the clamp assembly remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing to enable removal of the power tool accessory from the end effector.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool having a tool housing and an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. The system further includes a brace configured to removably and rigidly couple the accessory housing to the tool housing while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing, the brace including a clamp assembly configured to be rigidly coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool housing, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly comprises a first leg configured to face toward a first lateral side of the base, a second leg configured to face toward an opposite second lateral side of the base, a fastener configured to couple the first leg to the second leg, and a first pin carried by the first leg and facing inward toward and configured to engage the first lateral side of the base, the first pin adjustably positionable along a length of the first leg. In other implementations, the clamp assembly may further include a second pin carried by the second leg and facing inward toward and configured to engage the second lateral side of the base, the second pin adjustably positionable along a length of the second leg.
In another aspect, a brace is configured to removable and rigidly couple a housing of a power tool accessory to a tool housing of a power tool, the power tool accessory having a rotatable input shaft configured to be coupled to a rotatable end effector of the power tool. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be rigidly coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool housing, the clamp assembly including a first leg configured to face toward a first lateral side of the base, a second leg configured to face toward an opposite second lateral side of the base, a fastener configured to couple the first leg to the second leg, and a first pin carried by the first leg and facing inward toward and configured to engage the first lateral side of the base, the first pin adjustably positionable along a length of the first leg, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool having a tool housing and an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to receive an input of rotational motion from the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. The system further includes a brace configured to removably and rigidly couple the accessory housing to the tool housing while the input shaft is directly coupled to the end effector for rotation relative to the accessory housing, the brace including a clamp assembly configured to be rigidly coupled to the power tool housing, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The system further includes a flexible shaft assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the end effector and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the input shaft of the power tool accessory when the brace is removed from the tool housing, the flexible shaft assembly including a flexible shaft configured to transmit rotation from the end effector to the input shaft.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool includes a tool housing and an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. The system further includes a brace configured to removably and rigidly couple the accessory housing to the tool housing while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing, the brace including a first end portion configured to be coupled to the accessory housing and a second end portion carrying a connector configured to be removably and rigidly coupled to the power tool housing, wherein the connector on the second end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly from the power tool housing so that the arm assembly is moveable relative to the power tool housing while the input shaft of the power tool accessory remains received in the end effector.
Implementations of one or more of the above aspects may include one or more of the following features. The arm assembly may be configured to be removable from the clamp assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing. The power tool accessory may comprise a plurality of interchangeable power tool accessories, each power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft, and wherein the first end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removably and interchangeably coupled to each of the plurality of power tool accessories.
The brace may further comprise a collar configured to couple the arm assembly to the accessory housing. The collar may be configured to allow selective rotation of the accessory housing relative to the collar while the input shaft is coupled to the end effector and the arm assembly rigidly couples the collar to the clamp assembly. The collar may include a locking element having a locked configuration in which the accessory housing is rigidly fixed to the collar and an unlocked configuration in which the accessory housing is rotatable relative to the collar. The locking element may include a rotatable knob with a head that is configured to releasably engage the accessory housing. The collar may include a frictional engaging member configured to retain the accessory housing in a desired rotational position relative to the collar and to allow the accessory housing to be rotated relative to the collar upon application of a sufficient rotational torque to the accessory housing. The frictional engaging member may comprise an elastomeric ring disposed between the collar and the accessory housing. The first end portion may be pivotable relative to the collar. The second end portion may be pivotably relative to the clamp assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm portion pivotally couplable to the accessory housing and a second arm portion pivotally couplable to the clamp assembly, wherein one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is telescopically adjustable relative to the other of the first arm portion and the second arm portion to adjust a length of the arm assembly.
The clamp assembly may be configured to be rigidly coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool, such that the arm assembly is at an angle to the input shaft when the arm is coupled to the accessory housing and to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly may include a first leg configured to face toward a first lateral side of the base, a second leg configured to face toward an opposite second lateral side of the base, and a threaded member configured to couple the first leg to the second leg such that rotation of the threaded member is configured to draw the legs toward one another to clamp the clamp assembly to the base. Each of the first leg and the second leg may be configured to extend along the base from a forward point axially forward of the handle on a same side of the handle as the end effector to a rearward point axially rearward of the handle on an opposite side of the handle from the end effector. The threaded member may be coupled the first leg and the second leg at the rearward point. The threaded member may be coupled to the first leg and the second leg at the forward point. The threaded member may be coupled to the first leg and the second leg at one of the forward point and the rearward point and further comprising a supplemental connector coupled to the first leg and the second leg at the other of the forward point and the rearward point. The supplemental connector may comprise a wire, a cord, a chain, or a supplemental threaded rod.
The threaded member may include an internally threaded cylinder coupled to one of the first leg and the second leg and an externally threaded rod threadably received in the threaded cylinder. The first leg may carry a first pin facing inward toward and be configured to engage the first lateral side of the base and a second pin facing inward toward and configured to engage the second lateral side of the base. At least one of the first pin and the second pin may be adjustably positionable along a length of at least one of the first leg and the second leg. The clamp assembly may include a single leg configured to be coupled to one lateral side of the base. The clamp assembly may further include a threaded fastener configured to be received through an opening in the single leg and in a threaded hole in a lateral side of the base.
The second end portion of the arm assembly may be removably coupled to the clamp assembly by a quick release connector to enable removal of the arm assembly from the clamp assembly without use of a secondary tool. The quick release connector may comprise a U-shaped opening open at one end thereof and defined in one of the arm assembly and the clamp assembly, and a fastener coupled to one of the arm assembly and the clamp assembly, the fastener movable between a first position in which the arm assembly is not removable from the clamp assembly and a second position in which the arm assembly is removable from the clamp assembly. The fastener may comprise a threaded shaft coupled to one of the arm assembly and the clamp assembly and received in U-shaped opening. The U-shaped opening may include a narrow slot portion having a first width at the open end of the U-shaped opening and an enlarged portion in communication with the narrow slot portion and having a second width that is greater than the first width. The fastener may include a shaft receivable in the U-shaped opening, the shaft having a first dimension with a first width that is less than the first width of the narrow slot portion to enable the shaft to be removed through the narrow slot portion when the fastener is in the second position, and a second dimension with a second width that is greater than the first width of the narrow slot portion to prevent removal of the shaft through the narrow slot portion when the fastener is in the first position. The fastener may comprise a projection configured to block the open of the U-shaped opening when in the first position and to unblock the open end of the U-shaped opening when in the second position. The projection may be spring biased toward the first position. An actuator may be coupled to the projection.
Advantages may include one or more of the following. The braces disclosed in this application each may include an arm assembly that can be removable from a clamping assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamping assembly remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing. This enables the arm assembly and accessory to be quickly and efficiently removed from the tool housing without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamping assembly remains coupled to the tool housing, when it is desired to use the power tool without the power tool accessory. This also allows the arm assembly and power tool accessory to be quickly and efficiently reattached to the clamping assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, when it is desired to use the power tool accessory. This avoids the user having to decouple and recouple the entire clamping assembly, which can be more time consuming and lead to less efficient operation of the power tool accessory system. These and other advantages and features will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool having a tool housing, an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing, and a handle extending transverse from the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. A brace is configured to removably couple the accessory housing to the power tool while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to a base of the handle, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly. The second end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing to enable removal of the power tool accessory from the end effector.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features.
The arm assembly may be configured to be removable from the clamp assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing. The power tool accessory may include a plurality of interchangeable power tool accessories, each power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft, and wherein the first end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removably and interchangeably coupled to each of the plurality of power tool accessories.
The brace may further include a collar configured to couple the arm assembly to the accessory housing with the first end portion of the arm assembly pivotable relative to the collar. The collar may be configured to allow selective rotation of the accessory housing relative to the collar while the input shaft is coupled to the end effector and the arm assembly couples the collar to the clamp assembly. The collar may include a locking element having a locked configuration in which the accessory housing is non-rotatably fixed relative to the collar and an unlocked configuration in which the accessory housing is rotatable relative to the collar. An indexing assembly may be disposed between the collar and the arm assembly and configured to facilitate angular adjustment of the collar relative to the arm assembly. The indexing assembly may include a first wear plate with first ridges coupled to the collar and a second wear plate with a second plurality of radial ridges configured to engage the first plurality of radial ridges.
At least one of the first end portion of the arm assembly may be pivotable relative to the accessory housing or the second end portion of the arm assembly may be pivotable relative to the clamp assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm portion couplable to the accessory housing and a second arm portion couplable to the clamp assembly with one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion being telescopically adjustable relative to the other of the first arm portion and the second arm portion to adjust a length of the arm assembly.
The clamp assembly may include a first leg configured to face toward a first lateral side of the base, a second leg configured to face toward an opposite second lateral side of the base, and a threaded member configured to couple the first leg to the second leg such that rotation of the threaded member is configured to draw the legs toward one another to clamp the clamp assembly to the base. Each of the first leg and the second leg may be configured to extend along the base from a forward point axially forward of the handle on a same side of the handle as the end effector to a rearward point axially rearward of the handle on an opposite side of the handle from the end effector. The clamp assembly may include a single leg configured to be coupled to one lateral side of the base by a fastener. The second end portion of the arm assembly may include a U-shaped opening configured to facilitate removal of the arm assembly from the clamp assembly while the claim assembly remains fixedly coupled to the base. A tool-free connector may removably couple the arm assembly to the clamp assembly.
In another aspect, a brace is configured to removably and rigidly couple an accessory housing of a power tool accessory to a tool housing of a power tool, the power tool accessory having a rotatable input shaft configured to be coupled to a rotatable end effector of the power tool. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool housing, and an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be removably coupled to the clamp assembly, such that the arm assembly is at an angle to the input shaft when the arm is coupled to the accessory housing and to the clamp assembly. The second end portion of the arm assembly is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing to enable removal of the power tool accessory from the end effector.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. The arm assembly may be configured to be removable from the clamp assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing. The brace may further include a collar configured to couple the arm assembly to the accessory housing with the first end portion of the arm assembly pivotable relative to the collar. The collar may be configured to allow selective rotation of the accessory housing relative to the collar while the input shaft may be coupled to the end effector and the arm assembly may couple the collar to the clamp assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm portion couplable to the accessory housing and a second arm portion couplable to the clamp assembly with one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion being telescopically adjustable relative to the other of the first arm portion and the second arm portion to adjust a length of the arm assembly.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system is disclosed for use with a power tool having a tool housing, an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing, and a handle extending transverse from the tool housing. The power tool accessory system includes a plurality of power tool accessories, each including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. A brace is configured to removably and interchangeably couple the accessory housing of each power tool accessory to the power tool while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing. The brace includes a clamp assembly configured to be fixedly coupled to a base of the handle, a collar configured to be coupled to the accessory housing to allow selective rotation of the accessory housing relative to the collar while the input shaft is coupled to the end effector, and an arm assembly having a first end portion pivotably coupled to the collar and a second end portion configured to be removably and pivotably coupled to the clamp assembly. The arm assembly is at an angle to the input shaft when the arm is coupled to the accessory housing and to the clamp assembly and is telescopically adjustable to adjust a length of the arm assembly. The brace is configured to rigidly couple the accessory housing of each accessory to the tool housing to inhibit movement of each accessory housing relative to the tool housing while the input shaft is being rotated by the end effector.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system includes a power tool accessory including an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by an end effector of a power tool, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. A brace is configured to removably couple the accessory housing to the power tool while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing. The brace includes an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the accessory housing and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A clamp assembly is configured to be coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool. The clamp assembly includes at least one leg extending along a lateral side of the base, a cross bar extending from the at least one leg laterally across the base and configured to be coupled to the second end portion of the arm assembly, and a fastener configured to be received through an aperture in the leg and in an opening in the base to couple the leg to the base. Each of a plurality of adapters is configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly and to a different model of power tool to inhibit movement of the clamp assembly relative to the power tool.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. The clamp assembly may include a rod coupled to the cross bar and a coupler block coupled to the rod, the coupler block including the aperture that receives the fastener. Each adapter may include a plate that sits between the coupler block and the base of the handle and a projection that engages the power tool to inhibit rotation of the coupler block relative to the power tool. The projection of at least one of the adapters is configured to be received in an air vent on the base of the power tool to which the adapter corresponds. The adapter may comprise a sheet metal part formed into a shape corresponding to a shape of the base of the handle of the power tool to which the adapter corresponds. The at least one leg may include a first leg disposed along a first lateral side of the base of the handle and a second leg disposed along a second lateral side of the base of the handle, with the cross bar extending between the first and the second leg. An amount of space between the first leg and the second leg may be adjustable to accommodate different widths of bases of power tools. The cross bar may be telescopically received in an opening in a front end of at least one of the legs. The at least one of the legs includes a straight portion, an angled portion, and a coupler block, wherein the straight portion is pivotable to the coupler block. The arm assembly may be configured to be removable from the clamp assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing.
In another aspect, a power tool accessory system includes a brace configured to removably couple a housing of a power tool to a power tool accessory while an input shaft of the power tool accessory rotates. The brace includes an arm assembly having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the power tool accessory housing and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A clamp assembly is configured to be coupled to a base of a handle of the power tool. The clamp assembly includes at least one leg extending along a lateral side of the base, a cross bar extending from the at least one leg laterally across the base and configured to be coupled to the second end portion of the arm assembly, and a fastener configured to be received through an aperture in the leg and in an opening in the base to couple the leg to the base. Each of a plurality of adapters is configured to be coupled to the clamp assembly and to a different model of power tool to inhibit movement of the clamp assembly relative to the power tool.
Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. The clamp assembly may include a rod coupled to the cross bar and a coupler block coupled to the rod, the coupler block including the aperture that receives the fastener. Each adapter may include a plate that sits between the coupler block and the base of the handle and a projection that engages the power tool to inhibit rotation of the coupler block relative to the power tool. The projection of at least one of the adapters is configured to be received in an air vent on the base of the power tool to which the adapter corresponds. The adapter may comprise a sheet metal part formed into a shape corresponding to a shape of the base of the handle of the power tool to which the adapter corresponds. The at least one leg may include a first leg disposed along a first lateral side of the base of the handle and a second leg disposed along a second lateral side of the base of the handle, with the cross bar extending between the first and the second leg. An amount of space between the first leg and the second leg may be adjustable to accommodate different widths of bases of power tools. The cross bar may be telescopically received in an opening in a front end of at least one of the legs. The at least one of the legs includes a straight portion, an angled portion, and a coupler block, wherein the straight portion is pivotable to the coupler block. The arm assembly may be configured to be removable from the clamp assembly, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly remains fixedly coupled to the tool housing.
In another aspect, a system includes a power tool including a tool housing, an end effector that is rotatable relative to the tool housing, a handle extending transverse from the tool housing to a base, and a cross bar coupled to and extending laterally across the base. A power tool accessory includes an accessory housing, an input shaft at least partially received in the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to and rotatably driven by the end effector, and a working tool coupled to the accessory housing and configured to be driven to perform an operation upon rotation of the input shaft. A brace is configured to removably couple the accessory housing to the base of the power tool while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing, the brace including an arm assembly having a first end portion pivotably couplable to the accessory housing and a second end portion configured to be removably coupled to the cross bar, such that the arm assembly is at an angle to the input shaft when the arm is coupled to the accessory housing and to the cross bar. The arm assembly is telescopically adjustable to adjust a length of the arm assembly. The brace is configured to rigidly couple the accessory housing to the power tool to inhibit movement of the accessory housing relative to the power tool while the input shaft is being rotated by the end effector.
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The power tool accessory 101 includes an accessory housing 102 and an input shaft 104 at least partially received in a rear end 111 of the accessory housing 102. The input shaft 104 is receivable in the end effector 22 so that the input shaft 104 is rotationally driven by rotational movement of the end effector 22. In an embodiment, the input shaft 104 includes a hex shaped shank 105 with an annular groove 107 for being received in the end effector 22 in the form of a quick release bit holder or a chuck. The power tool accessory 100 also includes a working tool 106 that extends at least partially outward from a front end 108 of the accessory housing 102. In one embodiment, the working tool 102 comprises shear blades including a first stationary shear 112 that is rigidly mounted to the accessory housing 102, and a second moveable shear 114 that is pivotally mounted in the accessory housing 102. The moveable shear 114 can pivot relative to the stationary shear 112 to effect a scissor-like cutting action. The shear cutting accessory 101 may have a construction substantially similar to the power tool accessory disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 9,701,032.
The brace 130 is configured to adjustably, removably, and rigidly couple the accessory housing 102 to the power tool housing 12 while the input shaft rotates relative to the accessory housing. The brace 130 includes a collar 132 coupled to a rear end 111 of the accessory housing 102, a clamping assembly 140 configured to be removably and rigidly attached to the base 18 of the handle 14 of the power tool housing 12, and an arm assembly 134 having a first end portion 135 pivotally coupled to the collar 132 and an opposite second end portion 137 coupled to the clamping assembly 140. As described further below, the second end portion 137 of the arm assembly 134 is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly 140, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 140 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 12 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 101 from the end effector.
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In other embodiments, the rear end 111 of the accessory housing 102 may include a plurality of recesses that receive the threaded stem 150 to provide indexed rotational adjustment of the accessory housing 102 relative to the collar 132. The threaded stem 150 may alternatively or additionally be replaced with a spring biased pin, ball, or detent that engages recesses in the accessory housing 102 to provide a quick-release indexed rotational adjustment of the angular position of the accessory housing 102 relative to the collar 132. Other embodiments that enable indexed rotational adjustment of the accessory housing 102 relative to the collar 132 can be found, for example, in FIGS. 9A-16 and 35 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,088, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The arm assembly 134 includes a first arm portion 136 and a second arm portion 138. The first arm portion 136 includes the first end portion 135 and is pivotably attached to the collar 132 by a pivot pin 154 that extends radially outward from the first ear 142. The second arm portion 138 is telescopically received in a longitudinal opening 160 in the first arm portion 136. A positioning pin 162 is received in an aperture 164 in the second arm portion 138 and slides in a longitudinal slot 166 in the first arm portion 136. The telescopic connection between the first arm portion 136 and the second arm portion 138 allows the length of the arm assembly 134 to be adjustable by a user. In other embodiments, the longitudinal slot may be configured with bulging recesses and the positioning pin may be spring biased to allow for indexed movement of the second arm portion 138 relative to the first arm portion 136. Examples of such an indexed coupling mechanism can be found, e.g., in FIGS. 42-43 of the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,088, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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The clamping assembly 240 is substantially similar to the clamping assembly 140 described above, except for the following differences. First, each of the first leg 270a and second leg 270b includes a horizontal portion 272a, 272b that face toward a first and second lateral sides 218a, 218b of the base 218 of the handle 214. Each horizontal portion 272a, 272b, includes a moveable pin assembly 250a, 250b. Each movable pin assembly 250a, 250b includes a block-shaped pin carrier 251a, 251a that can be moved axially along a longitudinal slot 252a, 252b in each leg 270a, 270b. Each slot 252a, 252b includes a plurality of teeth or detents 258a, 258b that face the base 218 of the tool housing 212. Each pin carrier 251a, 251b carries an inwardly projecting pin 253a, 253b on an inner face 254a, 254b of the carrier 251a, 251b and at least one tooth or detent for engaging the teeth or detents on the slots 252a, 252b. Coupled to an outer face 255a, 255b of each carrier 251a, 251b is an actuator or knob 256a, 256b that is biased outward from the leg 270a, 270b by a spring 257a, 257b. In use, each actuator 256a, 256b can be pressed inward toward the base 218, which disengages the tooth or detent on the carrier 251a, 251b from the teeth or detents 258a, 258b on the slot 252a, 252b, allowing the carrier to be moved axially along the slot 252a, 252b. Once the carrier is in its desired position, the actuator can be released and the teeth or detents will retain the carrier in place. The pins 251a, 251b on the carrier may engage an opening on the base 218 of the tool housing 212, such as an opening that usually receives a fastener to retain a belt clip.
Second, each leg 270a, 270b includes an inward projecting cylindrical portion 276a, 276b that extend inward toward one another rearward of the handle 214 and the base 218 (i.e., on an opposite side of the handle 212 as the end effector 222. The cylindrical portions 276a, 276b are movably coupled to one another by a threaded member 278. The threaded member 278 includes a rod 280 non-rotatably received in the cylindrical portions 276a, 276b and having first and second threaded openings 282a, 282b at opposite ends thereof. The threaded member 278 further includes first and second threaded screws 284a, 284b threadably received in the threaded openings 282a, 282b. One of the threaded screws 284b has a head 283a recessed in one of the cylindrical portions 276b and is tightly fastened to the cylindrical portion 276b so as not to be user adjustable. The other threaded screw 284a has a head 283a exposed from the other cylindrical portion 276a and includes a knurled knob 286a coupled to the head of the screw 284a so that the screw 284a is user adjustable. Rotating the knob 286a in a tightening direction draws the first and second legs 270a, 270b toward one another to clamp the clamp assembly to the base 218. Rotating the knob 286a in a loosening direction moves the first and second legs 270a, 270b away from one another to remove the clamp assembly to the base 218.
Third, the horizontal portion 172a of the first leg 172b carries a quick release connector 290 configured to removably couple the second end portion 237 of the arm assembly 234 to the clamp assembly 240 while the clamp assembly 240 remains rigidly coupled to the base 218 of the handle 214 of the power tool housing 212. The second end portion 237 of the arm assembly 234 defines a generally U-shaped slot 239. The U-shaped slot 239 is generally key-hole shaped with an elongated portion 239a having a first width W1′ and a semi-circular portion 239b having a second width W2′ that is greater than the first width W1′. The elongated portion 239a is open to the edge of the second end portion 237 of the arm assembly 234. The quick release connector 290 includes a rotatable knob 292 and shaft 294. The shaft 294 has a double-D shaped cross-section with two flat faces 295 separated by a first distance D1 that is less than or equal to the first width W1′ and two curved faces 296 separated by a second distance D2 that is greater than the first width W1′ and less than or equal to the second width W2′. The knob 292 can be rotated between a first position (shown in
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The arm assembly 534 includes a first arm portion 536 and a second arm portion 538. The first arm portion 536 includes a first end portion 535 that is pivotably attached to the collar 532. The second arm portion 538 is telescopically received in a longitudinal opening 560 in the first arm portion 536 and includes a second end portion 537. The second end portion 537 carries a quick release connector 590, e.g., in the form of a handle 592 and a projection (not shown) that is removably receivable in one of the U-shaped recesses 578 in the leg 570. A tension spring 539 couples the first arm portion 536 to the second arm portion 538 and biases the second arm portion 538 toward the first arm portion. In use, the handle 592 of the quick release connector 590 may pull the second arm portion 538 partially out of the first arm portion 536 and to remove the projection 594 from the U-shaped recess to release the arm assembly 534 from the clamping assembly 570, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamping assembly remains rigidly coupled to the base 518 of the power tool housing 512. When it is desired to decouple the arm assembly 534 from the clamping assembly 570, the quick release connector 590 is actuated to pull the second arm portion partially out of the first arm portion, which pulls the projection of the quick release connector 590 out of the U-shaped recess. This enables the arm assembly 534 to be removable from the clamp assembly 540, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 540 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 512 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 501 from the power tool 510.
Referring to
The clamping assembly 640 includes a single leg 670 and a flange 676, similar to the single leg 570 and flange 576, except for the following differences. The flange 676 has one or more circular openings 678. The arm assembly 634 has a second end portion 637 that carries a quick release connector 690, e.g., in the form of a handle 692 and a push button 691. The push button 691 engages a pin 693, which in turn engages a release arm 694 that is removably received between the flange 676 and the base of the power tool. When it is desired to decouple the arm assembly 634 from the clamping assembly 670, the push button 691 is actuated, pushing the pin 691 to move the release arm 694 away from the flange 676, which enables removal of the arm as from the clamping assembly 640. This enables the arm assembly 634 to be removable from the clamp assembly 640, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 640 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 612 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 601 from the power tool 610.
Referring to
The clamping assembly 740 includes a bracket 770 with a cross-bar 772, a first leg 774 connected to one end of the cross-bar 772, and a second leg 778 coupled to an opposite end of the cross-bar 772. The cross-bar 772 receives a threaded rod 756 with a knurled head 757 and an annular recess 759 adjacent the head 757. Knurled head 757 is rotatable by a user in a tightening direction to draw the legs 774, 778 toward one another to rigidly engage a front of the base 718 of the tool housing 712 and is rotatable by the user in a loosening direction to disengage the clamping assembly 740 from the tool housing 712. The legs 774, 778 each may include a plurality of ridges or protrusions 776, 780 and/or a spike or pin 782, 783. The ridges or protrusions 776, 780 and the spikes or pins 782, 783 enhance gripping of the power tool housing 712 by the legs 774, 778 of the clamping assembly 740.
The arm assembly 734 includes a first arm portion 736 and a second arm portion 738. The first arm portion 736 is pivotably attached to the collar 732. The second arm portion 738 is telescopically received in a longitudinal opening in the first arm portion 736 so that the length of the arm assembly 734 is user adjustable. The second arm portion 738 includes a hook 739 defining a U-shaped recess 741 at its bottom end 737 that is configured to removably engage the annular recess 759 on the threaded rod 756. The open end of the U-shaped recess 741 includes a quick release connector 790 comprised of a moveable pin 792 and an actuator switch 794. The pin 792 is biased by a spring 796 toward a closed position in which the pin 742 closes the U-shaped recess 771. The actuator switch 794 is moveable parallel to the arm assembly against the force of the spring 796 to retract the pin 792 from the hook 739 and unblock the U-shaped recess 771. When it is desired to decouple the arm assembly 734 from the clamping assembly 770, the actuator switch 794 of the quick release connector 790 is actuated against the force of the spring 796 to unblock the U-shaped recess 791. This enables the arm assembly 734 to be removable from the clamp assembly 740, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 740 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 712 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 701 from the power tool 710.
Referring to
The brace 830 also includes a clamping assembly 840 configured to be removably and rigidly attached to the base 818 of the handle 814 of the power tool housing 812. The clamping assembly 840 comprises a single leg 870 that is removably attached to either side of the base 818 of the power tool housing 812, e.g., by a threaded fastener 872 that extends through an opening 874 in the leg 870 and into a hole on the base 818 (e.g., a threaded hole that can also receive a threaded fastener for installing a belt clip (not shown). Advantageously, the clamping assembly 840 is removably attachable to either the right side (as shown in
Like the arm assembly 734, the arm assembly 834 includes a second arm portion 838 telescopically received in a first arm portion 836 with a hook 839 defining a U-shaped recess at a bottom end 837 of the second arm portion 838. The hook and U-shaped recess are configured to removably engage the shaft 879 that is coupled to the clamping assembly 840 between the enlarged head 880 and the angled flange 876. The open end of the U-shaped recess includes a quick release connector 890 comprised of a moveable pin 892 and an actuator switch 894. The pin 892 is biased by a spring 896 toward a closed position in which the pin 842 closes the U-shaped recess 871. The actuator switch 894 is moveable parallel to the arm assembly against the force of the spring 896 to retract the pin 892 from the hook 839 and unblock the U-shaped recess 871. When it is desired to decouple the arm assembly 834 from the clamping assembly 870, the actuator switch 894 of the quick release connector 890 is actuated against the force of the spring 896 to unblock the U-shaped recess 891. This enables the arm assembly 834 to be removable from the clamp assembly 840, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 840 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 812 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 801 from the power tool 810.
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Received over the shaft 1491 between the retaining clip 1494 and the C-clip 1497 is a compression spring 1480 with a front washer 1481 that abuts the retaining clip 1494 and a rear washer 1482 that abuts the C-clip 1497. A rigid wire 1483 includes a pair of longitudinal legs 1484 received in the longitudinal grooves 1498 within the compression spring 1480 and the washers 1481, 1482, and a C-shaped base 1485 that connects the rear ends of the longitudinal legs 1484. Each leg 1484 includes a radial outward projection 1486 at its front end which projects radially outward from the longitudinal grooves and that abuts the front face of the retaining clip 1494.
Received over a front portion of the shaft 1491, the spring clip 1494, the compression spring 1480, the washers 1481, 1482, and an front portion of the longitudinal legs 1484 is a front collar 1470 that abuts the flange 1495 and is stationary relative to the shaft 1491. Received over an intermediate portion of the shaft 1491 and an intermediate portion of the longitudinal legs 1484 is a cylindrical portion 1472 of the yoke collar 1490, which abuts the flange front collar 1470 and the rear washer 1482 at its front end, that abuts the C-clip 1487 at its rear end, and that is stationary relative to the shaft 1491. Received over a rear portion of the shaft 1491 and the C-shaped base 1485 of the wire 1483 is an actuation sleeve 1474. A front end of the actuation sleeve 1474 includes a radial inward projection 1476 that abuts the C-shaped base 1485. The actuation sleeve 1474 is axially moveable rearward and forward relative to the shaft 1491. A positioning ring 1478 is received in the rear end portion of the actuation sleeve 1474 to help retain the actuation sleeve 1474 on the shaft 1491.
In use, the stud holder 1432 can be coupled to one of the studs 1303 on the accessory housing 1302 by inserting the stud 1303 into the axial bore 1492 in the shaft 1491 with the spring clip 1494 engaging the annular groove 1307 in the stud 1303. The force of the compression spring 1480 and front collar 1482 on the spring clip 1482 will keep the spring clip 1494 engaged with the annular groove 1307. To remove the stud holder 1432 from the stud 1303, the user pulls the actuation sleeve 1474 rearward in the direction of arrow B. This pulls the C-shaped base 1485, the legs 1483, and the projections 1486 of the wire 1483 axially rearward in the direction of arrow B. The rearward movement of the projections 1486 pull the spring clip 1494 axially rearward in the direction of arrow B and partially out of the U-shaped opening 1493 to disengage the spring clip 1494 from the annular groove 1307 in the stud 1303, enabling the stud 1303 to be removed from the axial bore 1492. This movement also compresses the compression spring 1480. When the actuation sleeve 1474 is released, the spring force of the compression spring 1480 causes the actuation sleeve 1474, the wire 1483, and the spring clip 1494 to move axially forward in a direction opposite arrow B and restore them to their original position.
In other embodiments, the stud holder of the accessory system 1332 may have a similar configuration to a tool bit holder used on a power tool or a power tool accessory. For example, the stud holder can have a similar configuration to a DEWALT RAPID LOAD® holder, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,266, which is incorporated by reference. In another example, the stud holder can have a similar configuration to a bit holder described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,401, which is incorporated by reference. In yet further examples, the stud holder can have a similar configuration to one of the bit holders described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,227,309, 9,505,108, 9,943,946, and 10,150,205, each of which is incorporated by reference.
Referring to
The brace 1530 includes a clamping assembly 1540 configured to be removably and rigidly attached to the base 1518 of the handle 1514 of the power tool housing 1512, a collar assembly 1532 configured to be coupled to the accessory housing 1502, and an arm assembly 1534 having a first end portion 1535 releasably coupled to the clamping assembly 1540 and an opposite second end portion 1537 pivotably coupled to the collar assembly 1532. As described further below, the second end portion 1535 of the arm assembly 1534 is configured to be removable from the clamp assembly 1540, without the use of a secondary tool, while the clamp assembly 1540 remains rigidly coupled to the tool housing 1512 to enable removal of the power tool accessory 1501 from the power tool housing 1510.
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The second arm portion 1538 includes longitudinal portion 1547 with a generally U-shaped cross-section 1538a that is telescopically received in a U-shaped underside 1549 in the first arm portion 1536. The first arm portion 1536 includes a polygonal (e.g., square) opening 1551 and the second arm portion 1538 includes an elongated slot 1553 that receives a carriage bolt 1555 with a round head 1557, a polygonal (e.g., square) intermediate portion 1559 received in the polygonal opening 1551, and a threaded shaft 1561 received in the elongated slot 1553. A washer 1562 (e.g., a spring washer such as a Belville spring) is received over the threaded shaft 1563 on an opposite side of the arm portion 1547 from the head 1557. An internally threaded knob 1563 is threaded onto the threaded shaft 1561. In use, to adjust the length of the arm assembly 1534, the knob 1563 is loosened while the carriage bolt 1555 remains stationary, allowing the second arm portion 1538 to be telescopically adjusted relative to the first arm portion 1536. Once a desired length is achieved, the knob 1563 is tightened, securing the second arm portion 1538 relative to the first arm portion 1536.
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In addition, at least the first downward extensions 1546a includes an indexing assembly including a first wear plate 1547 with a first plurality of radial ridges 1548 and a second wear plate 1578 on the first prong 1572a with a second plurality of radial ridges 1579, with the second wear plate 1578 facing the first wear plate 1547. The first and second wear plates 1547, 1578 facilitate angular adjustment of the collar assembly 1532 relative to the fork 1570 with the first and second radial ridges 1548, 1579 providing positive locking in a selected angular position. The wear plates and ridges also provide additional structural support to counteract a moment arm exerted by the accessory due to the center of mass of the accessory being located forward of the fork. To adjust the angular position of the collar assembly 1532 relative to the form 1570, the knob 1576 is loosened, which allows the wear plates to separate. Once the desired angular position is reached, the knob 1576 is tightened so that the ridges on the wear plates engage each other.
Similar to collar 132 described above, the C-shaped concave ears 1542a, 1542b facilitate coupling the brace 1530 to the housing 1502 of the power tool accessory 1501. As also shown in
In other embodiments, the rear end 1511 of the accessory housing 1502 may include a plurality of recesses that receive the threaded stem 1550 to provide indexed rotational adjustment of the accessory housing 1502 relative to the collar 1532. The threaded stem 1550 may alternatively or additionally be replaced with a spring biased pin, ball, or detent that engages recesses in the accessory housing 1502 to provide a quick-release indexed rotational adjustment of the angular position of the accessory housing 1502 relative to the collar 1532. Other embodiments that enable indexed rotational adjustment of the accessory housing 1502 relative to the collar 1532 can be found, for example, in FIGS. 9A-16 and 35 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,088, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Referring to
The clamping assembly 1640 includes a pair of first legs 1670 configured to extend along lateral sides of a base 1618 of a handle 1614 of a power tool 1610. Each leg 1670 includes a horizontal rod 1672 that is generally parallel to and adjacent the base 1618 of the handle 1614 and a front angled portion 1674 that extends upward and forward from the horizontal rod 1672 at an angle. Each front angled portion 1674 includes an inward projecting cylindrical portion 1680 that are coupled together by a cross bar 1684. The cross bar 1684 may be loosely fitted in the cylindrical portions 1680 so that the spacing between the legs 1670 may be adjustable. The arm assembly 1634 may be removably coupled to the cross bar 1684 in the same manner as disclosed in
Each horizontal rod 1672 is removable receivable in a longitudinal bore 1686 in a coupler block 1688 and securable in a desired position by a fastener such as a set screw 1690 or by another type of manually actuatable device such as a clamp. To secure each coupler block 1688 to the power tool 1610, each coupler block 1688 includes a first lateral aperture 1692 configured to receive a threaded fastener 1694 receivable in a threaded opening in the base 1618 the handle 1614 of the power tool 1610 that is ordinarily used to attach a belt clip 1675 to the base 1618. Each coupler block 1688 includes a second lateral opening 1696 that is configured to receive a second screw 1698 for attaching a belt clip 1675 to the coupler block 1688 instead of directly to the base 1618 of the power tool 1610.
Disposed between each coupler block 1688 and the base 1618 may be an adapter 1691. The adapter 1691 includes a plate 1693 with a central opening 1699 for receiving a fastener 1694 that is received in a threaded opening in the base 1618 of the power tool that would otherwise be used to attach a belt clip. The adapter 1691 also includes a rotational preventing structure 1697 in the form of legs 1601 configured to be received in vents 1603 in the base 1618 of the power tool 1610. The legs 1601 inhibit the adapter 1691 and the coupler block 1688 from rotating relative to the base 1618 when coupled to the power tool 1610.
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Example embodiments have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and to fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Terms of degree such as “generally,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be used herein when describing the relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values of various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These terms mean that such relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values are within the defined range or comparison (e.g., equal or close to equal) with sufficient precision as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections being described.
Numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary implementations described above. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the arm assembly may be directly coupled to the power tool housing, e.g., via a threaded fastener that screws into a threaded opening such as the opening that receives a belt clip or via a quick release fastener, such as one of the quick release assemblies described above. In this embodiment, the arm assembly may be pivotable away from the base of the power tool housing while the accessory input shaft remains received in the end effector of the power tool. These and other implementations are within the scope of this application.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/658,276, filed Apr. 7, 2022, titled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/175,938, filed Apr. 16, 2021, titled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/217,874, filed Jul. 2, 2021, titled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/263,419, filed Nov. 2, 2021, titled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” each of which is incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63175938 | Apr 2021 | US | |
| 63217874 | Jul 2021 | US | |
| 63263419 | Nov 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17658276 | Apr 2022 | US |
| Child | 18501004 | US |
