Hand Tool Means Patents (Class 144/136.95)
  • Patent number: 7108464
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Randy G. Cooper, Mark A. Etter, Greg K. Griffin, Ginger L. Allen, Derrick Kilbourne
  • Patent number: 7094011
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a housing having a motor provided therein, a cutting accessory coupled to the motor and means for selectively directing a flow of air toward a point of cut of the cutting accessory. The flow of air acts to remove debris at the point of cut to improve visibility of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Kopras, Jason R. Kopras, Scott Adler, Douglas Seals, Ryan Rindy, Larry Gunseor, Daniel Bullis
  • Patent number: 7089978
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a quick attach and detach mechanism for a tool attachment such as a router attachment for a router. The attachment system includes a mounting adapter which may be integrally formed with the router housing or attached to the router housing as a bolt-on plate. The system works by vertically installing the tool attachment with the mounting adapter and then twisting to secure the tool attachment to the mounting adapter. A rotational lock is provided to prevent the tool attachment from inadvertently backing off or coming loose. This lock can be manually actuated to allow for quick detachment when desired. The tool attachment system is shown in association with a router which has several disclosed benefits, however there may also be applications of the system in other types of tool attachments for which coverage is also sought.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Nomis LLC
    Inventors: Joe Karkosch, John R. Kochanski, Edward Adkins, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 7089979
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a router including a motor housing for at least partially enclosing a motor, a base having a sleeve for receiving the motor housing therein. The base is constructed to at least partially support the motor housing on a workpiece. The router additionally includes an electrical switch disposed substantially in a quadrant, defined by a first axis extending through generally opposing handles, and a second axis, extending normal to the first axis, and generally bisecting the motor housing, of the motor housing. Preferably, the electrical switch is disposed in the range of 30° (thirty degrees) to 60° (sixty degrees) from the second axis and particularly at approximately 45° (forty-five degrees) to allow for comfortable grasping of the motor housing/base, easy repeatable switch manipulation, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Randy G. Cooper, Mark A. Etter, Greg K. Griffin, Ginger L. Allen, Derrick Kilbourne
  • Patent number: 7073993
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Randy G. Cooper, Mark A. Etter, Greg K. Griffin, Ginger L. Allen, Derrick Kilbourne
  • Patent number: 7070371
    Abstract: A chamfering air tool includes a driving shaft in a casing rotated by air pressure, a rotary shaft perpendicularly combined to the driving shaft for rotation, and a cutter fixed to the rotary shaft. Air holes are formed through the rotary shaft in a longitudinal direction. An air discharge groove is formed in the cutter, and a hole communicated with the air hole is formed in a fixing bolt head. An air path is formed in the fixing bolt head to keep a predetermined gap from the cutter. A guide ring having a diameter approximate to a lower end of the cutter is rotatably mounted to the fixing bolt head. Thus, air is blown to the air hole of the rotary shaft, the air hole formed in the fixing bolt head, the air path formed between the cutter and the guide ring, and the air discharge groove of the cutter, thereby eliminating cut chips and cooling the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Cheol-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 7066221
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Patent number: 7066695
    Abstract: A router mounting system is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the router mounting system includes a router assembly, a first sub-base, and a router table. The router assembly and first sub-base include interlocking radial projections, recesses and discontinuities such that the first sub-base can be firmly attached to the router assembly quickly and without the use of tools or fasteners. This allows a user to interchangeably use a single router either in the hand mode of operation or in the table mode of operation with only a few seconds required to change betweens modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Bart Nuss
  • Patent number: 7052218
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for adjusting a depth of a table mounted plunge router. The apparatus includes a longitudinal base, a first endplate arranged on a first end of the base and a second endplate arranged on a second end of the base. A longitudinal groove is disposed in the base between the first and second endplate. A slide is provided which is disposed in the groove for movement in the groove. An adjustment mechanism is provided which enables movement of the slide in the groove. A cable in a cable housing connects the slide to the router. The adjustment mechanism enables adjustment of a depth of a plunge router bit. The present invention can be retrofitted to a wide variety of existing plunge routers, or provided as a feature of newly manufactured plunge routers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher John Mussel
  • Patent number: 7044694
    Abstract: A router bit with a position stop is disclosed. The router bit includes a body with a collar extending outwardly from it and a shaft extending outwardly from the collar. At least one cutter blade is mounted to the body and the cutter blade may be used to cut a profile into a workpiece. The collar has a first diameter, the shaft has a second diameter and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The collar has a face formed a spaced distance or height from the transition point between the collar and the body. The face rests against the upper surface of a chuck when the shaft is secured in the chuck. This allows the body and hence the cutter blades to be held a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the chuck. A second router bit may be provided to cut a complimentary second profile in a second workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Lowder, Thomas Curtis Parker, Robert William Yeager, Russell Eugene Cook
  • Patent number: 7029212
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding the bit of a rotary hand tool along a corner of a work surface formed by two or more abutting surfaces, through use of a corner cutting apparatus which includes a corner cutting guide having a housing, defining an axis of the housing, and adapted for attachment of the rotary tool with the axis of the rotary tool extending through the housing along the axis of the housing. The housing also includes first and second guide walls, for engaging abutting walls at a corner of the work surface. The first and second guide walls are disposed substantially perpendicular to one another, and have respective outer surfaces which, if projected, would intersect to form a line lying in a common plane with the axis of the housing and oriented at an acute angle to the axis of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nomis LLC
    Inventors: Edward Adkins, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 7018149
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment router is disclosed having a housing which supports a motor wherein the housing is vertically movable along a pair of spaced vertical guide posts of a base structure and wherein the router includes a flexible baffle which can vertically expand and contract as the housing is moved relative to the base structure and wherein at least one post has a coil spring located within the baffle which is configured to bias the housing away from the base structure, with the coil spring having a generally hourglass shaped configuration. The configuration has outer end portions with larger coil diameters, both of which transition to a center portion with a smaller coil diameter. The hourglass configured coil minimizes the possibility of the coil buckling which could result in a loss of spring force as well as a distortion of the shape of the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Freese, Kristopher Baker
  • Patent number: 6991008
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a housing and a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing, and the hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. In some aspects, a router includes a housing and a hand grip connected to the housing. In some aspects, a router is operable above a workpiece and under a table. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a motor housing and an adjustment mechanism supported by at least one of the base and the motor housing for adjusting the position of the motor housing relative to the base. In some aspects, a case for a router includes a base plate operable to support a router with a bit attached to the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Patent number: 6986369
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Randy G. Cooper, Greg K. Griffin, Derrick Kilbourne, Mark A. Etter, Ginger L. Allen
  • Patent number: 6966731
    Abstract: A cutting tool and track system includes a multi-segment track assembly configured to be removably attached to a surface of a workpiece, a carriage assembly configured to ride along the track assembly, a carriage drive mechanism arranged to drive the carriage assembly along the track assembly, a cutting tool assembly connected to the carriage assembly, and a tool driving system connected to the cutting tool assembly. The cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill type cutting tool that may be driven in a radial cutting plane about the axis of a tubular workpiece or along a workpiece surface. A method is provided for cutting a workpiece wherein a cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill mounted for travel along a predetermined transport path in a cutting plane about a central axis of the workpiece wherein the end mill is first fed through the wall thickness of the workpiece and the cutting tool assembly is moved along the transport path in the cutting plane to cut the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tri Tool Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald W. VanderPol, Lane L. Larson
  • Patent number: 6966122
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring the extent of alteration in the level of carriage on which a power tool such as a router or saw is mounted. The carriage is mounted beneath a working surface on which a piece of work is placed. The cutting implement of the power tool such as a bit or blade projects through an opening in the working surface and terminates above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered and the gauge records any movement of the carriage. A clutch allows the gauge to be manually adjusted without affecting the level of the carriage. A hollow chamber is mounted beneath the working surface and through which the cutting implement extends. Air within the chamber is evacuated in order to create a vacuum for withdrawing debris resulting from the cutting of the work piece from the area where cutting takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6951232
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a housing and a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing, and the hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. In some aspects, a router includes a housing and a hand grip connected to the housing. In some aspects, a router is operable above a workpiece and under a table. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a motor housing and an adjustment mechanism supported by at least one of the base and the motor housing for adjusting the position of the motor housing relative to the base. In some aspects, a case for a router includes a base plate operable to support a router with a bit attached to the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Patent number: 6932129
    Abstract: The wood plug trimmer is a devise used in conjunction with a hand held grinder that permits expeditious trimming of wooden plugs that are used to cover screws in wooden objects. The wood plug trimmer will have an interior cylindrical shape that will slide over the shank of a hand held grinder. The interior diameter of the wood plug trimmer will be slightly smaller than the exterior diameter of the shank of the hand held grinder and slightly shorter in length than the length of the base of the shank of the hand held grinder to the tip of the grinding die. This will permit the wood plug trimmer to be adjusted so that the grinding die will be flush with the wood surface. The wood plug trimmer will have a plurality of pilot/waste ports that will be wider than the wooden plugs to be trimmed. When in place the wood plug trimmer will have the wood plugs pass through the pilot/waste ports and permit the grinding die to trim the wooden plug flush with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Dean W Hess, Charles J. Hess
  • Patent number: 6929436
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming patterns in a flat, plastic material, such as, for example sheet vinyl, linoleum, and other flat sheet floor covering. The apparatus comprises a router die and trimmer base affixed to a router machine. The router die is comprised of two guiding members, a first guiding member that directs the router blade between an edge of a pattern and an edge of an overlay. A second guiding member follows the blade after the groove is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Shannon
  • Patent number: 6926477
    Abstract: A jig assembly for use with work piece and a hand-held power tool having a cutting bit includes a first member and at least one insert. The first member has a first opening and is configured to be positioned adjacent a first side of the work piece. The at least one insert is configured to fit within the first opening in the first member and includes a second opening. At least one of the first opening and second opening is configured to allow a portion of the hand-held power tool to pass therethrough to contact the work piece and to act as a guide for the hand-held power tool as it removes material from the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Markus Allemann, Robert K. Kopras, Al Uzumcu, Scott Adler
  • Patent number: 6926479
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventor: Mike Taylor
  • Patent number: 6918720
    Abstract: A circle forming apparatus (100) for a power tool and a method for using the apparatus provides for the formation of circles or circular apertures in a workpiece. A first arm (104) and second arm (106) are rotatably coupled, and a fastener allows a user to secure the first arm relative to the second arm. The second arm includes a pivot point (108), and the first arm includes means (102) for coupling the first arm to a power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Kopras, Cory R. Boudreau, Douglas Seals
  • Patent number: 6913429
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell, John M. Beville
  • Patent number: 6905290
    Abstract: An improved hand rasp comprises a planar plate with an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface. An ergonomic handle is affixed to the anterior surface of the plate. A groove blade is removably affixed to the posterior surface of the plate by attachment means. The groove blade may have a variety of geometric configurations and varying in width and depth to accommodate the imagination of the user or designer. The groove blade includes an abrasive surface on the exterior surface of the groove blade. A guide is also removably affixed to the posterior surface of the plate by attachment means, positioned parallel to the groove blade. The guide is adjustable about apertures formed in the plate to position the guide closer to or farther away from the groove blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Andrew Casciato, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6902361
    Abstract: A fixation device for positioning a rotating machine tool onto a template, the template having at least one hole and at least one locating pin. The fixation device includes a housing with a housing tool end and a housing template end, a seat located on the housing tool end for coupling with the rotating machine tool, and a clamping mechanism disposed at least partially at the housing template end for coupling with at least one locating pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Novator AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Pettersson, Marcus Wiklund
  • Patent number: 6896016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Patent number: 6896454
    Abstract: An electric power tool including a housing 2 having a motive power 3, and a tool holder 19 coupled to said motive power 3 for receiving a cutting tool, a base plate 4 having an opening 5 through which said cutting tool extends, said base plate 4 being adjustable mounted to said housing by guide arms 6, 7, the position of said cutting tool being varied by adjusting the position of the base plate 4 relative to the housing 2, said tool holder 19 being able to extend through the opening 5 of the base plate 4 for easier access to the tool holder, a slave pin 24 in the housing 2 adapted to engage a recess in the tool holder to lock the tool holder 19 against rotation to enable single-handed removal of a tool from the tool holder 19 from above a tool table, such as a router table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hills Industries Limited
    Inventors: Graham Gerhardt, Harry Szommer, Warren Brown
  • Patent number: 6896451
    Abstract: A plunge-type router is disclosed which is useful for either freehand or router table mounted operation. The router has a base and a motor housing assembly with the base being adjustable relative to the motor housing assembly and operates in a conventional plunge router operation, but has an depth rod adjusting and measuring mechanism that includes an electronic measuring system with a digital display and control functionality that enables a user to accurately measure the position of a depth rod and thereby accurately set a depth of cut value which is displayed on a digital readout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen C. Oberheim
  • Patent number: 6890135
    Abstract: A rotary cutting tool includes a housing and a motor provided within the housing for rotating a cutting accessory coupled to the rotary cutting tool. The rotary cutting tool also includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a point of cut of the rotary cutting tool. Each of the plurality of light emitting diodes have a central longitudinal axis, and at least one of the light emitting diodes is couple to the housing such that the central longitudinal axis of the light emitting diode is not parallel to a rotation axis of the cutting accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Kopras, Jason R. Kopras, Scott Adler, Douglas Seals, Ryan Rindy, Larry Gunseor, Daniel Bullis
  • Patent number: 6884010
    Abstract: A scoring apparatus for placing a scoring line on a back surface of a piece of vinyl or rubber cove molding, in order to easily conform the molding about sharp corners. The scoring apparatus uses a frame for pivotally supporting a router between an inoperative position and a work engaging position. The router is mounted on a base that slides within a slot in the frame so that it can be drawn across the cove molding to provide the scoring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hosier, Christopher Decker, David Decker
  • Patent number: 6880595
    Abstract: A radial overarm router includes a machine base with a work surface, a vertical column, a bearing housing, a slide assembly, and a carriage subassembly. The bearing housing is mounted to, and may rotate about, the vertical column. The slide assembly mounts to the bearing housing and in combination with the bearing housing, the slide assembly has transnational and rotational motion relative to the column. The slide assembly includes a carriage subassembly that houses a router. The carriage subassembly is configured to allow pivotal and vertical or plunge type motion of the router. The carriage subassembly further provides for transverse movement of the router. Locking knobs and adjustable limit stops are provided for all directions of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Bart A. Nuss
  • Patent number: 6863480
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventor: Mike Taylor
  • Patent number: 6854938
    Abstract: A guide (12) for setting the depth of cut of a rotary cutting tool, or other hand-held power tool, which automatically locks into a desired position to set the depth of a cut without requiring manual operation of a locking knob or similar structure. The depth guide is released from the locked position by actuation of a release switch (94). The depth guide includes a depth guide base (50), a depth guide shaft (52) attached to the depth guide base, and an automatic locking and release mechanism (54) coupled to the depth guide shaft. The automatic locking and release mechanism and depth guide shaft may be mounted in a handle (24) of the hand-held power tool, such as a detachable handle, for mounting the depth guide to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Kopras, Scott Adler, Jason R. Kopras, James Stanley
  • Patent number: 6854937
    Abstract: The dust attachment which is used with a spiral saw power tool includes a first attachment portion which at a rear end has a substantially dust-tight fit with a mounting head portion of the tool. The other (forward) end extends beyond a forward edge of the mounting head portion, but such that the spiral saw bit extends beyond the forward edge of the attachment portion by a distance which is slightly greater than that of the thickness of the workpiece. An attaching member such as a screw secures the dust attachment portion to the tool. An dust exit tube extends from a side surface of the attachment portion and communicates with the interior of the attachment portion. The dust exit tube extends at an angle away from the attachment portion toward the rear end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen F. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6846138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 6835030
    Abstract: A power tool accessory system has a first accessory with a first connector for attaching the accessory to the power tool, and a second connector for attaching a second accessory to the first accessory. Preferably both attachment means are manually operable whereby the first accessory may be attached to a power tool and to a second accessory without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Pozgay, Jonathan Riley, Stephen J. Gaynes
  • Patent number: 6835032
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a detachable flexible handle for a power hand tool and an attachment system associated with the handle and the tool for releasably attaching either a rigid or the flexible handle to the power hand tool. The system has housing attachment recesses on the tool that receive attachment clips located at opposite end portions of the flexible handle or structure of a rigid handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Pozgay, Jonathan G. Riley, Dan Williams
  • Publication number: 20040250891
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a housing and a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing, and the hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. In some aspects, a router includes a housing and a hand grip connected to the housing. In some aspects, a router is operable above a workpiece and under a table. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a motor housing and an adjustment mechanism supported by at least one of the base and the motor housing for adjusting the position of the motor housing relative to the base. In some aspects, a case for a router includes a base plate operable to support a router with a bit attached to the router.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Publication number: 20040221922
    Abstract: Router bits or cutters and methods of using such bits and cutters that enables a slotting cutter to cut a groove having appropriate widths and depths around the entirety of an assembled frame or box so that portions of the panel (or top or bottom in the case of a box) tongue is received around the entire panel, including in the corners. The slotting cutters of this invention have diametric proportions that allow a ⅛″ to {fraction (3/16)}″ deep slot to be cut with a sufficiently small radius at corners to produce a continuous slot around the inside of a frame or box corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Brent K. Hyde
  • Patent number: 6808341
    Abstract: A pneumatic edge trimming machine has a base a center of which having a hole. A sleeve extends upwards from the base for receiving a hollow outer casing. The outer casing has a top and a lower end; and the top and lower end of the outer casing are fixed to an inner casing through a frame. A space penetrating the inner casing and outer casing is formed. The inner casing is used to be installed with a pneumatic motor. A shaft is extended from a pneumatic motor. The shaft has a tool combining portion which exposes out of the hole at the base. The inner casing has an air inlet and a control switch. The inner casing has a vent facing toward a top of the outer casing, and the top of the outer casing being connected to a predetermined space by a tube. Therefore dust can be absorbed automatically in working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Nailermate Enterprise Corp.
    Inventors: Bao Shyan Lai, Chung-Tsun Cho
  • Publication number: 20040200543
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a housing and a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing, and the hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. In some aspects, a router includes a housing and a hand grip connected to the housing. In some aspects, a router is operable above a workpiece and under a table. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a motor housing and an adjustment mechanism supported by at least one of the base and the motor housing for adjusting the position of the motor housing relative to the base. In some aspects, a case for a router includes a base plate operable to support a router with a bit attached to the router.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Milwaukee Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Publication number: 20040194854
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a housing and a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing, and the hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. In some aspects, a router includes a housing and a hand grip connected to the housing. In some aspects, a router is operable above a workpiece and under a table. In some aspects, a router includes a base, a motor housing and an adjustment mechanism supported by at least one of the base and the motor housing for adjusting the position of the motor housing relative to the base. In some aspects, a case for a router includes a base plate operable to support a router with a bit attached to the router.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Publication number: 20040182476
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a quick attach and detach mechanism for a tool attachment such as a router attachment for a router. The attachment system includes a mounting adapter which may be integrally formed with the router housing or attached to the router housing as a bolt-on plate. The system works by vertically installing the tool attachment with the mounting adapter and then twisting to secure the tool attachment to the mounting adapter. A rotational lock is provided to prevent the tool attachment from inadvertently backing off or coming loose. This lock can be manually actuated to allow for quick detachment when desired. The tool attachment system is shown in association with a router which has several disclosed benefits, however there may also be applications of the system in other types of tool attachments for which coverage is also sought.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Nomis, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Karkosch, John R. Kochanski, Edward Adkins, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 6779954
    Abstract: A fixed base router with an adjustable depth of cut comprising a motor unit including a first threads and an output spindle, a router bit operatively connected to the output spindle of the motor unit, an adjustment ring including a second threads for cooperation with the first threads of the motor unit for adjustment of the depth of cut of the router bit, a base for supporting the adjustment ring, and a plurality of clip assemblies for selectably coupling the adjustment ring to the base assembly, and wherein the clip assemblies are simultaneously operable by the fingers of one hand of the person using the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Tomayko
  • Publication number: 20040149352
    Abstract: A planer comprising a body comprising an aperture formed within it to accommodate a deflector; the body being mounted on a shoe, the shoe having an aperture formed through it; a cutting drum rotatably mounted within a recess formed by a wall within the body, a part of the periphery of the cutting drum 6 projecting through the aperture in the shoe; a motor mounted within the body to rotatingly drive the cutting drum; at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery of the drum capable of planing a work piece when the drum is rotating; an airflow generator which creates an air flow when the planer is in use within the body for use for entraining debris created by the cutting action of the blade to assist in the removal of the debris; directional means which directs the airflow within the body towards the area where the cutting blade cuts a work piece in order to entrain the debris in the airflow within the body for removal from the body; and a removable deflector for guiding the air flow and entrained debris
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040149351
    Abstract: A planer comprising: a body; the body including a wall and the wall defining a recess; a cutting drum rotatably mounted within the recess, the cutting action of the drum creating debris and ejecting it from the recess; an airflow generator for producing an airflow; a conduit defined within the body for directing the airflow, the conduit connected to the recess for entraining and removing the debris ejected from the recess; a deflector connectable to the conduit for guiding the air flow and entrained debris from within the body to outside of the body, the deflector having an interior and exterior; and wherein the conduit directs the airflow from the airflow generator, over the exterior of the deflector, then downward to the vicinity of the recess where debris is entrained by the airflow, and then to the deflector before it is guided by the deflector to outside of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040126197
    Abstract: A jig assembly for use with work piece and a hand-held power tool having a cutting bit includes a first member and at least one insert. The first member has a first opening and is configured to be positioned adjacent a first side of the work piece. The at least one insert is configured to fit within the first opening in the first member and includes a second opening. At least one of the first opening and second opening is configured to allow a portion of the hand-held power tool to pass therethrough to contact the work piece and to act as a guide for the hand-held power tool as it removes material from the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Markus Allemann, Robert K. Kopras, Al Uzumcu, Scott Adler
  • Patent number: 6755597
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric power tool with a housing, in which a drive mechanism is received; the electric power tool includes a shaft, with a chuck (20) received in it, for receiving a tool insert (19). The chuck (20) is surrounded by an annular bearing face (9). The bearing face (8, 9) includes receiving elements that enable the guidance of the electric power tool on a guide rail (1, 35), such as receptacles (21, 22; 31, 32) and (33) for slip-on tools (25), such as templates, that can be received on the support (8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joao Bergner, Uwe Engelfried, Martin Noack, Klaus Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 6752572
    Abstract: A circle cutting accessory for use with a generally cylindrical powered rotary hand tool with an output shaft at one end thereof, the tool having a second accessory attached to the one end, with the second accessory having at its distal end an outwardly extending flange with a first predetermined diameter around a substantial portion of the circumference thereof, the circle cutting accessory including a generally flat housing for receiving and supporting the second accessory and the rotary hand tool. The housing has an upper support surface with an aperture through which a cutting tool attached to the output shaft can pass. The circle cutting accessory further includes a generally horizontal elongated arm mounted to the housing and extends outwardly from the housing. A circle center and sizing elongated member is slidably attached to the arm and has a centering pin extending downwardly therefrom at one end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Talesky, Robert D. Pjevach
  • Patent number: 6739066
    Abstract: The level-adjusting apparatus adjusts the level of a tool such as a router having a bit for cutting a piece of work on a working surface. The apparatus has a carriage on which the router is mounted. The carriage is located beneath the working surface and its bit projects above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered by means of a handle above the working surface. The handle is removable so that once the router is in position the handle may be removed so that it does not interfere with the routing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Jessem Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith