Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly of the present invention includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a router depth adjustment mechanism for minimizing rapid course depth adjustment for standard and plunge routers. Routers with rapid or course adjustment mechanisms may permit a router motor housing to drop suddenly, if the user in inattentive. Sudden adjustments may result in damage to the router and even user injury. The mechanism of the present invention includes a threaded shaft and a biased thread engaging member which may be disengaged for rapid adjustment. A restraining device and/or a break may be included to minimize the rate of change.

Abstract: A nail lockout assembly provides a way for an operator of a nail gun to have determined whether the nails being employed are properly aligned to allow for efficient operation of the nail gun. The nail lockout assembly may be employed in a nail loading assembly, such as an adjustable angle magazine, which is coupled with a nail driving assembly. A slotted guide member disposed in a housing of the nail loading assembly provides a determination of the angle of the nail loading assembly relative to the nail driving assembly through operational engagement with a projection. A linkage bar is coupled with the slotted guide member and translates the angle of the nail loading assembly to a pusher which engages a nail loaded in the nail loading assembly. A cover serrated member is coupled with a cover of the nail loading assembly. A pawl assembly is coupled with the linkage bar and may engage with the cover serrated member. An adapter couples with the pusher and the pawl assembly enabling rotational movement in each.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing base end plunge router depth adjustment, such as when a router is utilized with a router table. The apparatus and method of the present invention permits accurate and efficient depth adjustment when utilizing a router with a router table. A router depth adjustment device includes an adjustment knob and indexer, so users are provided with the ability for measured depth adjustment.

Abstract: A bit retaining assembly for retaining a bit in a rotary tool, in particular a router such as a hand-held router, a table-mounted router, a pocket cutter, a laminate trimmer, a rotary cutout tool, or the like employs a planetary gear system for multiplying the torque applied to clamp the bit within a collet. The bit retaining assembly comprises a chuck for coupling the bit retaining assembly to the rotor shaft of the rotary tool. A collet is disposed in the chuck for receiving the bit. A nut threaded onto the chuck compresses the collet about the bit to secure the bit within the collet. A planetary gear system transmits torque applied to a housing member to the nut for rotating the nut on the chuck. Preferably, the planetary gear system multiplies the torque transmitted to the nut so that the torque transmitted to the nut is greater than the torque applied to the housing member.

Abstract: A plate joiner including a fence support, a drive, and a fence system. The fence support includes a cutter and a contact surface, which defines a cutter slot. The cutter is arranged and configured to protrude from fence support through cutter slot to make a plunge cut into a surface of a workpiece when the contact surface is pressed against the surface and the cutter is plunged into the workpiece by pushing on a rearward handle portion of the tool. The drive is arranged and configured to rotatably drive the cutter through a motor. A preferred fence system includes an angle adjustment system arranged and configured to position the fence at a wide range of fence angles and, at any selected distance from a top face of the workpiece to the fence, the distance from the top face of the workpiece to the cutter remains constant as the front fence angle is adjusted. A preferred fence system includes a trunnion which pivotally couples the front fence to the fence system.

Abstract: An apparatus which enables a user of a pneumatic tool device, such as a nail gun, to determine the required compressor pressure needed to most effectively utilize the pneumatic tool device and maximize the life of the tool. A compressor pressure indication assembly on a nail gun comprising a nail verification assembly and a readout assembly enables a user to verify the length and/or diameter of the nails to be driven by the nail gun and set the compressor pressure accordingly.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly is provided for a package. The package provides storage for a variety of items. A sleeve at least partially surrounds the package and connects to the package through a connection point. The sleeve includes a reinforced adhesive material which provides reinforcement to the connection point and prevents both tearing of the sleeve and displacement of the sleeve from the package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing base end plunge router depth adjustment, such as when a router is utilized with a router table. The apparatus and method of the present invention permits accurate and efficient depth adjustment when utilizing a router with a router table. A router depth adjustment device includes an adjustment knob and indexer, so users are provided with the ability for measured depth adjustment.

Abstract: An offset base router includes an offset base assembly comprising a base coupled with a sub-base which provides an offset center of gravity and an aperture through which a bit may access a work piece. Additionally, the base and sub-base allow a dust collection system to be attached through them. The offset base router further includes a motor assembly comprising a motor casing which houses a motor. The motor assembly connects with a gear assembly comprising an inner gear casing which is housed in an outer gear casing that includes a grip. The inner gear casing houses an arbor assembly that connects with the bit and the motor. A height adjustment assembly coupled with the offset base assembly and the inner gear casing allows a user to adjust the height of the inner gear casing relative to the base and the sub-base.

Abstract: An improved table having improvements related to stock support, such as a rip fence stock support, as well as a lateral-table support system; features of laterally-slideable front and back rip fence guide rails, including an improved front rail configuration, an improved rear rail configuration, and an especially-configured front and back rail combination, including a rail configuration having cross-sectional aspects configured for use as both the front and rear rail, each instance of improved rail configuration providing the basis for an improved rip-fence locking system; improved sliding-rail lock shoes, including lock shoes that comprise an improved cross section for sliding in T-track, as well as lock and support shoes having a particular raised rib, also for improved sliding in a laterally-adjustable rail system, and a system wherein of one two rail shoes per rail, a rail-locking support shoe, is configured for biasing, and wherein the other shoe for each rail, a rail supporting shoe, remains fixed; fron

Abstract: A battery release mechanism for releasably securing a battery to a power tool is disclosed. The battery release mechanism includes a battery receiving portion integral with a handle portion of the power tool and an attachment portion integral with the battery. The attachment portion is configured to engage the battery receiving portion. The battery release mechanism also includes a closure member that is operable with and transversely disposed within the battery receiving portion. The closure member is configured to secure the battery within the battery receiving portion when the closure member is in a “lock” position. The closure member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defines a push button for selectively moving the closure member from the “lock” position to a “release” position.

Abstract: A plate joiner including a fence support, a drive, and a fence system. The fence support includes a cutter and a contact surface, which defines a cutter slot. The cutter is arranged and configured to protrude from fence support through cutter slot to make a plunge cut into a surface of a workpiece when the contact surface is pressed against the surface and the cutter is plunged into the workpiece by pushing on a rearward handle portion of the tool. The drive is arranged and configured to rotatably drive the cutter through a motor. As shown in the drawings a preferred fence system includes an angle adjustment system arranged and configured to position the fence at a wide range of fence angles and, at any selected distance from a top face of the workpiece to the fence, the distance from the top face of the workpiece to the cutter remains constant as the front fence angle is adjusted. A preferred fence system includes a trunnion which pivotally couples the front fence to the fence system.

Abstract: A pad sander skirt which flares out over the periphery of the sanding pad and which is coupled to a lower housing so that it swivels about the body of the sander. The skirt and lower housing can be selectively swivelled in a rotational manner to a position desired by the user. A further sander improvement disclosed relates to the protection of a user's hand. Palm-grip random orbit sanders are sometimes configured so that the sanding pad may begin spinning at high speed when the sander is lifted off of the work. To this end, the present application discloses a protective skirt which flares out over the periphery of the pad in a palm-grip random orbit sander. Also disclosed is an improved dust collection system comprising a filter housing formed of a rigid porous material for entrapping dust.