Hand Tool Means Patents (Class 144/136.95)
  • Patent number: 6736173
    Abstract: A guidebushing assembly for use with an electric router. A guidebushing holder clamps to the router base, and a guidebushing is secured within the holder and used for cutting an inlay by reference to a female pattern. An appropriately shaped and sized recess is cut by reference to the female template while contacting the template with a tapered sleeve secured to the guidebushing. Movement of the guidebushing and sleeve along the axis of rotation of the router cutter permits adjustment in the size of the recess cut by reference to the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Leigh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Grisley, Jeffrey Greenup
  • Patent number: 6733216
    Abstract: A hand-held milling machine (1) has a cutting tool (9, 10) which protrudes from a machine support (3) on the side facing the workpiece. A screw-type clamping mechanism allows the cutting tool (9, 10) and the machine support (3) to be positionally adjusted relative to each other by the relative rotational movement of clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides around a drive axis (13) in the direction of the projection of the cutting tool (9, 10) relative to the machine support (3). The clamping sections (6, 18) are positioned opposite each other in the radial direction of the drive axis (13). A tensioning device (35) allows the two clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides to be secured against relative rotational movement around the drive axis (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Trumpf Grusch AG
    Inventor: Claus Böhringer
  • Patent number: 6725892
    Abstract: A router including a base for supporting the router on a work piece surface, a motor housing supported by the base, and a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element. The router also includes a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing. The hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. The router may also include a fixing assembly for fixing the housing in a position relative to the base, the fixing assembly including a clamping member for applying a clamping force to the housing to fix the housing in a position relative to the base, and an actuator for moving the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy McDonald, Dale Borchardt, Troy Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Christopher Berg, Jeffrey S. Holly
  • Patent number: 6726414
    Abstract: A fixed base router is provided comprising a base having a central bore. The router includes an adjusting ring rotatably affixed to a base upper end, being coaxial with the central bore, and having a series of gear teeth formed thereto defining a ring gear. A motor housing, including a motor for imparting rotational motion to a tool holder, is threadably engaged with the adjusting ring. A pinion gear, journaled for rotation relative to the base, is engaged with the ring gear, and is coupled for rotation with a dial extending from the base. The base is adapted to prevent rotation of the motor housing relative thereto, such that rotation of the adjusting ring axially translates the motor housing relative to the base. The router includes a scale and indicator for indicating fine adjustment of the motor housing relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: One World Technologies, Limited
    Inventors: Matthew James Pientka, Elton Lee Watson, Charles Keith Long
  • Patent number: 6719504
    Abstract: A device for removing grout from between a joint. The device comprises at least one handle member with at least one guide and at least one motor portion. The motor portion has at least one cutting member. The guide and the cutting member are aligned. The guide is adapted to guide the cutting member along the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: James Downey
  • Publication number: 20040035495
    Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a power tool includes a motor, a motor housing defining an air outlet, and a shield connectable to the motor housing and positionable to at least partially cover the air outlet to inhibit movement of debris into the motor housing through the air outlet. In some aspects of the invention, a router includes a base, a motor housing supported by the base, at least one of the base and the motor housing defining a depth adjustment column having an open end, a motor supported by the motor housing and operable to drive a tool element, a depth adjustment mechanism supported in the depth adjustment column and operable to adjust the cutting depth of the tool element, and a flexible shield connectable to the base in a position to cover the open end and to allow access to the depth adjustment mechanism through the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Jeffrey S. Holly, Melissa Ottens-Rendon, Christopher Berg
  • Patent number: 6679658
    Abstract: A combined rotary hand tool and accessory attachment includes a rotary hand tool having an output shaft and a nose end associated with the shaft. An accessory attachment has a mounting portion configured for releasable attachment to the nose end and an engagement formation provided to the nose end and the mounting portion and configured so that the mounting portion is securable upon the nose end upon an approximate ¼ relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. Landt
  • Patent number: 6655428
    Abstract: A dowel hole and slot cutter comprise a motor having a base slidably mounted on a track and a cylindrical cutting bit mounted at one end of the motor and extending outwardly therefrom. A support includes a pair of arms with one arm extending upwardly from each side of the track and a cross-portion joining the arms and having an aperture extending therethrough for movement of the cylindrical cutting bit. A flat member having an aperture therethrough includes a track at its upper and lower end which engages the cross portion of the bracket for movement transverse to the cross portion. In operation, the cutter may be used to drill holes, dowel holes, or slots in a fast efficient manner. A polycarbonate member having a elongated slot for the cylindrical cutting bit is mounted between the flat member and a adjustable support member, which includes a perpendicular portion extending outwardly therefrom and two portions extending downwardly from the perpendicular portion therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Keith Kornhoff
  • Patent number: 6648566
    Abstract: A portable device includes at least one tool driven by a motor and provided in a housing with at least two housing surfaces at relative right angles to each other. One of the housing surfaces is arranged at a right angle relative to the tool and the device includes a plurality of stops fixedly connect and pivotably connected with the housing to be moved out or pivoted out until corresponding stop surfaces are reached. The stop surfaces have different differences with respect to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Gebhard Graf, Ottilia Graf
  • Patent number: 6622762
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric hand tool (6) with an electric motor contained in a housing, which drives a chip-removing tool (8). The mounting section (14) of a mounting rail (1) is mounted in a detent locking fashion onto the mounting base (3) of the electric hand tool (6). A carriage-shaped component equipped with a compass point (12) is mounted onto this mounting rail (1) and/or a parallel fence (9, 10) can be adjustably positioned on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joao Bergner, Uwe Engelfried, Martin Noack
  • Patent number: 6619894
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Mary Hathcock, Carl Christian Carlson, Manfred Staebler
  • Publication number: 20030165367
    Abstract: A hand-held milling machine (1) has a cutting tool (9, 10) which protrudes from a machine support (3) on the side facing the workpiece. A screw-type clamping mechanism allows the cutting tool (9, 10) and the machine support (3) to be positionally adjusted relative to each other by the relative rotational movement of clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides around a drive axis (13) in the direction of the projection of the cutting tool (9, 10) relative to the machine support (3). The clamping sections (6, 18) are positioned opposite each other in the radial direction of the drive axis (13). A tensioning device (35) allows the two clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides to be secured against relative rotational movement around the drive axis (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Claus Bohringer
  • Patent number: 6612349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Patent number: 6604895
    Abstract: The aircraft panel detab router to trim tabs from airframe parts such as wing elements, panels and airframe skin structures includes a tool fixture having a clamping mechanism for securing to a panel edge. The tool fixture includes a linear slide to which a sliding assembly is slidably engaged. The sliding assembly includes an eccentric cam ring mount for retaining and position adjustment of a router relative to the panel edge. The router has a cutting tool attached which cutting tool at its distal end is also supported by a support arm attached to the sliding assembly. A vacuum manifold is also attached to the sliding assembly to remove debris created by the trimming action of the cutter tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Monte L. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6568887
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Mary Hathcock, Lawrence M. Cotton, Carl Christian Carlson
  • Patent number: 6558090
    Abstract: A cordless router motor unit has a metal barrel and a plastic battery housing. A DC motor is housed inside of the barrel and drives an output shaft and up to a ½″ collet chuck. The battery housing holds a power switch and is fastened to the barrel. A battery is releasably attached to the battery housing through a sliding engagement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the motor unit. When the battery is in its locked position relative to the battery housing, the center of gravity of the battery is balanced over the output shaft. The power switch is positioned radially from the DC motor and below the battery so that the router motor unit has a low center of gravity. The battery provides at least 18V and the maximum power output of the DC motor is at least ⅝ hp. The barrel can be sized to engage with a router base which also engages with a corded router motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Porter-Cable/Delta
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Lagaly, James Andrew Patton, Julie Lynn Jones
  • Patent number: 6558091
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Smith, Lawrence M. Cotton, Kevin Alfred
  • Patent number: 6550154
    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: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Jessem Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6530302
    Abstract: A cabinetmaking system having a framing table including opposed fences on each side and a series of adjustably positionable clamps. One of the fences includes a removable central section for maneuvering a cutting tool therethrough. The clamps each include an eccentric cam rotating about a single bolt for securing workpieces along with pressure blocks for edge routing, making glue cuts, forming “biscuit cuts” in the ends and sides for tongue and groove joints, cutting decorative bevels, etc. The system further includes a panel table for clamping cabinet side and rear panels thereto for routing edge and surface grooves for joining the panel together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030044251
    Abstract: A cordless router motor unit has a metal barrel and a plastic battery housing. A DC motor is housed inside of the barrel and drives an output shaft and up to a ½″ collet chuck. The battery housing holds a power switch and is fastened to the barrel. A battery is releasably attached to the battery housing through a sliding engagement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the motor unit. When the battery is in its locked position relative to the battery housing, the center of gravity of the battery is balanced over the output shaft. The power switch is positioned radially from the DC motor and below the battery so that the router motor unit has a low center of gravity. The battery provides at least 18V and the maximum power output of the DC motor is at least ⅝ hp. The barrel can be sized to engage with a router base which also engages with a corded router motor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Lagaly, James Andrew Patton, Julie Lynn Jones
  • Patent number: 6510878
    Abstract: An attachable baseplate for a highspeed router which can be used with router in an upright handheld position, or in an inverted position with router suspended by same baseplate in a router table. Front edge of baseplate has cutout portion for sliding engagement and containment of a right and a left incrementally marked alignment indicator. When secured to baseplate in a predetermined position indicators show actual diameter margins of the installed cutting tool. This simplifies and makes precise the alignment of the cutting tool to the layout line of the workpiece and allowing measuring capabilities when enlarging the existing cut without the necessity of changing cutting tool. Alignment and measuring capabilities perform equally in the handheld or suspended router table mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Frank J. Cavit
  • Patent number: 6506006
    Abstract: A power hand tool includes a body, an electric motor, an output driving shaft rotatable by the motor, a holder for holding a cutting bit and rotatable by the shaft for, in turn, rotating the cutting bit for cutting, an electrical switch provided on the body for controlling operation of the motor, and a detachable handle. The handle has a first, fixed end releasably connected to the body, a middle section extending to form a relatively large gap with the body sufficiently wide to allow the handle to be gripped by a hand, and a second, free end. The free end extends to approach a region on the surface of the body adjacent and not reaching the switch and forms a relatively small gap with the region sufficiently narrow to retain a hand gripping the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Choon Nang Electrical Appliance
    Inventors: Tat Nin Lui, Ping Hay Heun
  • Patent number: 6505659
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a router comprises a plate having top and bottom sides and an opening therethrough, and a carriage supported in suspension beneath the plate for supporting a router coaxial with the opening. A pair of guide posts slidably support the carriage for axial displacement toward and away from the plate, and a pair of adjusting screws which are rotatable relative to said plate interengage with the carriage for rotation of the screws to displace said carriage relative to the plate. Each of said guide posts has a post axis and each of the adjusting screws has a screw axis, the axes of the posts, and adjusting screws are coplanar with one another and with the opening axis. The adjusting screws are rotated simultaneously by a sprocket wheel and sprocket chain drive train on the bottom side of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Richard M. Hummel
  • Publication number: 20030007843
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: S-B POWER TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Cotton, Kenneth Smith, Kevin Alfred
  • Patent number: 6488455
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a coarse adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Manfred Staebler, Mary Hathcock, Kenneth Smith, Lawrence M. Cotton, Carl Christian Carlson, Kevin Alfred
  • Patent number: 6484767
    Abstract: A work station is provided having a work surface. The work surface comprises spaced apart bearers (42) which are spaced apart and parallel. The bearers (42) are interconnected by braces (43) and intermediate bearer fits between the parallel bearers (42). In some embodiments of the invention, the intermediate bearer carrier a mitre guide (143).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Alan B. H. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6474378
    Abstract: A plunge-type router is disclosed which has a base and a head assembly that is vertically adjustable by an adjusting mechanism. The plunge router includes an electronic control system with a digital display and control functionality that enables the router to accurately determine a baseline or zero position for a router bit installed in the router and permits the user to input a depth of cut value or other predetermined command. The control system then automatically causes the motorized adjusting mechanism to go to the appropriate position. The electronic control system enables the storage of multiple depth settings as well as multiple step or macro operations. In this regard, macros may be run to provide incremental cutting necessary for performing multiple passes to achieve a relatively deep depth of cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: William J. Ryan, Carl C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6449852
    Abstract: A casing and door jamb trimmer comprising a base, a fence, and an arbor which are attachable to a conventional air tool and saw blade. The invention is used to trim casings and door jambs in order to allow flooring to be laid so that it fits perfectly with the door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: David Simantel
  • Patent number: 6443675
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, such as a spiral cutting tool, with improved operator control and visibility. The power tool includes a motor contained in a motor housing. The motor may be a variable speed motor controlled by a speed control user interface mounted on the housing. Each time a speed control button is actuated, the motor speed is changed. A display provides the operator of the tool with an indication of the motor speed selected. A detachable handle is provided with a moveable mechanism for easily, quickly, and securely attaching the handle to the housing and removing the handle therefrom with one hand. The detachable handle may include one or more storage compartments formed therein. The detachable handle includes a trigger switch mounted therein for operating the cutting tool motor. The trigger switch is mounted in the detachable handle in a position such that the switch is operated by the little finger and ring finger of an operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Roto Zip Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Kopras, Jason R. Kopras, Scott Adler, Douglas Seals, Ryan Rindy, Larry Gunseor, Daniel Bullis
  • Patent number: 6443676
    Abstract: A guide for setting the depth of cut of a 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. The depth guide includes a depth guide base, a depth guide shaft attached to the depth guide base, and an automatic locking and release mechanism coupled to the depth guide shaft. The automatic locking and release mechanism and depth guide shaft may be mounted in a handle of the hand-held power tool, such as a detachable handle, for mounting the depth guide to the tool. A dust collector is provided for removing cutting debris which may accumulate in the base of a depth guide around the point of a cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Roto Zip Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Kopras
  • Patent number: 6422275
    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 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Coporation
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Patent number: 6419429
    Abstract: A router having a base and an adjustably positioned motor assembly is provided with a pair of ergonomic elongate handles on opposite right and left sides of the motor housing. The elongate handles which are connected to and spaced from the motor housing by a pair of bridge members are ellipsoidal in shape when viewed in a transverse side elevation. Each elongate handle has a longitudinal length L having a large upper end, diameter Z and a lower small end diameter Z′.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: One World Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Keith Long, Norman Hugh Bouwhuis, James Morgan, Kenneth M. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20020053370
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Patent number: 6368033
    Abstract: A portable electric right-angle plunge router (10) is disclosed which has a pair of laterally spaced apart bases (13, 14), two pair of laterally spaced apart columns (12) and a motor housing assembly (11). The bases (13, 14) have planar work engaging surfaces (15). Affixed to the bases (13, 14) are the laterally spaced apart columns (12) which extend perpendicularly to the work engaging surfaces (15). The motor housing assembly (11) has a central axis which is parallel to the work surface and is mounted on the laterally spaced apart columns (12) to allow the housing assembly to move vertically toward and away from the bases. Laterally space apart column guides (17) affixed to the housing (11) are aligned and sized to slidingly engage the columns (12). A handle is formed in the housing (11) between the front and rear column guides (17). A drive motor affixed in the housing has an armature shaft which is rotatable about an axis being substantially the horizontal axis of the housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Howell Souders
  • Patent number: 6336483
    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 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Earl R. Clowers
  • Publication number: 20010055519
    Abstract: A portable electric right-angle plunge router (10) is disclosed which has a pair of laterally spaced apart bases (13, 14), two pair of laterally spaced apart columns (12) and a motor housing assembly (11). The bases (13, 14) have planar work engaging surfaces (15). Affixed to the bases (13, 14) are the laterally spaced apart columns (12) which extend perpendicularly to the work engaging surfaces (15). The motor housing assembly (11) has a central axis which is parallel to the work surface and is mounted on the laterally spaced apart columns (12) to allow the housing assembly to move vertically toward and away from the bases. Laterally space apart column guides (17) affixed to the housing (11) are aligned and sized to slidingly engage the columns (12). A handle is formed in the housing (11) between the front and rear column guides (17). A drive motor affixed in the housing has an armature shaft which is rotatable about an axis being substantially the horizontal axis of the housing (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Howell Souders
  • Patent number: 6318936
    Abstract: A plunge router adjustment mechanism including a drive shaft longitudinally fixed but rotatable in a base plate and extending towards an opposite end of the plunge router. A carriage moveable along the drive shaft is connectable to the router housing. Optionally, a sub-carriage, moveable along the carriage and directly attached to the housing, allows fine adjustment of the housing relative to the base plate. Optionally a coarse adjustment stop member is releasably fixable along the drive shaft for coarse positioning of the housing relative to base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Robert E. McFarlin, Jr., David L. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6266850
    Abstract: A hand-held tool having an adjustable grip is provided. The grip includes a handle moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position and a clutch mechanism engageable with the handle when the handle is in the locked position. The clutch mechanism prevents the handle from being repositioned when the handle is in the locked position and allows the handle to be repositioned relative to the tool when the handle is in the unlocked position. A shaft is rotatably disposed through a socket in the housing, and a cog may be disposed on a first end of the shaft, selectively engageable with the socket. When the shaft is in a first position, the cog engages the socket and the shaft may not be rotated, and when the shaft is in a second position, the cog does not engage the socket and the shaft may be freely rotated within the socket. A handle is disposed on a free end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Williams, Marco Perry
  • Patent number: 6260591
    Abstract: A biscuit joiner (10) having a housing (16) which includes a forward portion (26), a handle portion (28) and a rear portion (30). A battery pack (56) is removably secured to the rear portion. The forward portion houses an electric motor (32) and is attached to a shoe assembly (12) and a fence assembly (14). The handle portion includes a stick handle portion (40) and a loop portion (42). Each of the stick handle and loop portions are laterally offset from the forward portion, and therefore from the rotational axis of the motor and the coaxial center of the housing. The stick handle portion is graspable by a user and the lateral offset enables the fingers of the user to be placed in position to exert a force substantially along the longitudinal axis (36) of the motor while engaging an ON/OFF trigger (46) of the joiner. In this manner a more direct application of force can be made by the user to the housing when urging the housing linearly while making plunge cuts with the joiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: William A. George, Steven D. Beamesderfer, Dennis Keith Kirk, Jr., Sean W. Flickenger, Richard H. Rapuano, Gregg A. Flender, George H. F. Schnakenberg, III
  • Patent number: 6261036
    Abstract: Improvements made to a router relate to a plunge router locking system. The locking system comprises a locking arm lever coupled to a threaded member arm which engages a plunge guide post to hold the router motor housing at a desired height above the router base when the locking arm member is in the locked position. When the locking arm member is moved into an unlocked position, the motor housing can move up and down the plunge guide post, where the motor housing is opposed by a bias system comprising a compression spring to prevent the motor housing from free-falling into the router base. Additionally, the locking arm lever can be held in the unlocked position with the use of a mating coupling member attached to the motor housing in order to keep the plunge locking system in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Bosten, James T. Stolzer, Randy G. Cooper, Waymon L. McNeal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244797
    Abstract: A router includes a tool holder which has a spindle with a bore to receive a router tool bit. A sleeve surrounds the spindle. A locking mechanism retains the router bit in the bore. The locking mechanism includes at least one rolling member in contact with the sleeve and which extends into the bore. The rolling member locks the router bit in the tool holder. A biasing member retains the sleeve in a locked position. The locking mechanism includes an activation member remotely positioned from the sleeve for moving the sleeve between the locked and unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Dale K. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6244796
    Abstract: A guide attachment apparatus for guiding a rotary hand tool of the type which includes an outer enclosure, a rotatable collet adapted to retain a bit adapted for removing grout from a work surface or other activity. The guide attachment apparatus includes a housing and a slide. The housing has a lower portion and an upper portion, with the lower portion having a base that is located in a plane which is at an acute angle from the axis of rotation. The housing further includes a viewing opening, for viewing the bit as it engages a work surface, an opening for receiving the slide, and a locking mechanism for locking the slide in a position relative to the housing. The slide is attachable to the housing and also includes a coupling mechanism to couple the slide to the rotary hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Jennifer J. Schuebel, Mark D. Duennes
  • Patent number: 6237657
    Abstract: A device for cutting a workpiece by means of a rotatingly driven tool bit has a suction hood surrounding the tool bit in annular manner with a through-opening for the tool bit to pass through. The suction hood forms a suction duct open to the tool bit which is limited by an outer wall. At least a part of the outer wall is curved in a perpendicular plane in the form of a parabola, and the focal point of the parabola lies beneath the workpiece engagement surface formed by the suction hood. Because of this parabola shape, chips thrown by the tool bit against the outer wall are reflected essentially parallel to the workpiece engagement surface and thus do not escape up through the through-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Yuejun Qian
  • Patent number: 6224305
    Abstract: A rotary power tool is provided having a remotely actuated chuck device. The chuck is mounted onto the end of a drive spindle that extends from the casing of the power tool. The chuck includes an outer sleeve member that is axially movable relative to the drive spindle between a gripping and release position. A chuck actuating device is provided having a first member engaged with the outer sleeve member and which extends generally radially outward from the drive spindle or chuck. The first member is movable in a direction so as to move the outer sleeve member between the gripping position and release position. A solenoid and a biasing mechanism engage the first member so that the chuck device is movable between the gripping and release positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Power Tool Holders, Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark S. Huggins