Abstract: Handle portions of hand tools are disclosed that enhance gripping properties while simultaneously imparting flexibility and cushioning properties to the tool handle portion to promote a softer, more ergonomic tool handle portion. The handle portion of a hand tool housing is ergonomically configured for normal gripping by a user's hand and wherein the pressure points of contact by at least one predetermined portion of the hand principally contact a relatively soft tactile cushion surface. The handle portion has at least one support structure configured to provide a volume around which the user's hand can grip with the user's thumb, palm and fingers in contact with said volume, wherein the support structure has at least one window located adjacent the predetermined portion, and a cushion structure bonded to the support structure and spanning each window to provide the relatively soft tactile cushion surface.

Abstract: A retaining system including a power cord retaining system and a cord plug retaining system for use with a power tool. The power cord retaining system is configured for accommodating an extension cord and includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. The plug retaining system is configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the receptacle and includes a contact portion for engaging a plug or a cord, and an attachment device for attaching the contact portion to the tool.

Abstract: A retaining system including a power cord retaining system and a cord plug retaining system for use with a power tool. The power cord retaining system is configured for accommodating an extension cord and includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. The plug retaining system is configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the receptacle and includes a contact portion for engaging a plug or a cord, and an attachment device for attaching the contact portion to the tool.

Abstract: A retaining system including a power cord retaining system and a cord plug retaining system for use with a power tool. The power cord retaining system is configured for accommodating an extension cord and includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. The plug retaining system is configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the receptacle and includes a contact portion for engaging a plug or a cord, and an attachment device for attaching the contact portion to the tool.

Abstract: Handle portions of hand tools are disclosed that enhance gripping properties while simultaneously imparting flexibility and cushioning properties to the tool handle portion to promote a softer, more ergonomic tool handle portion. The handle portion of a hand tool housing is ergonomically configured for normal gripping by a user's hand and wherein the pressure points of contact by at least one predetermined portion of the hand principally contact a relatively soft tactile cushion surface. The handle portion has at least one support structure configured to provide a volume around which the user's hand can grip with the user's thumb, palm and fingers in contact with said volume, wherein the support structure has at least one window located adjacent the predetermined portion, and a cushion structure bonded to the support structure and spanning each window to provide the relatively soft tactile cushion surface.

Abstract: A retaining system including a power cord retaining system and a cord plug retaining system for use with a power tool. The power cord retaining system is configured for accommodating an extension cord and includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. The plug retaining system is configured for maintaining electrical continuity between the plug and the receptacle and includes a contact portion for engaging a plug or a cord, and an attachment device for attaching the contact portion to the tool.

Abstract: A line-of-cut indicator for use with a cutting tool including a pointer element that may be moved between an open position substantially in front of the footplate of the cutting tool and a closed position substantially behind the front of the footplate of the cutting tool. The pointer element may be moved between the open and closed positions by rotating or sliding. The pointer element may provide one or multiple reference points for the line-of-cut.

Abstract: A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, defining a cord loop therebetween, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. A cord lock is preferably formed in association with the cord channel for releasably locking the cord in the channel and preventing unwanted cord release.

Abstract: A line-of-cut indicator for use with a cutting tool including a pointer element that may be moved between an open position substantially in front of the footplate of the cutting tool and a closed position substantially behind the front of the footplate of the cutting tool. The pointer element may be moved between the open and closed positions by rotating or sliding. The pointer element may provide one or multiple reference points for the line-of-cut.

Abstract: A dust collection system for both a belt sander and a disc sander in which the dust collector for the belt sander has a removable upper section to enable a workpiece longer than the belt bed to be sanded and the disc dust collector has the front lower one-half removable therefrom to expose the entire disc for sanding. In addition, and end stop is associated with the belt sander which is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate having a plurality of U-shaped orifices at the bottom thereof to form a comb-like structure that allows a greater amount of dust to enter the dust collector for the belt sander.