U.S. patent application number 11/322459 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for movable handle for a power tool.
Invention is credited to Scott George Ahlswede, Richard Paul Brault, Jeffrey Charles Hessenberger, Jeffrey Scott Holly, Thomas Paul James, Jeffrey Michael Zeiler.
Application Number | 20060117920 11/322459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22464216 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060117920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zeiler; Jeffrey Michael ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Movable handle for a power tool
Abstract
A movable handle and a power tool. The power tool comprises a
housing, a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a
tool element about an axis, and a handle supported by the housing
for rotation relative to the housing about the axis. Preferably,
the power tool is a circular saw. The circular saw further
comprises a switch assembly supported on the handle for movement
with the handle and means for connecting the switch to the motor to
accommodate movement of the switch relative to the motor. The
switch assembly is electrically connectable to the motor and
selectively connects the motor to a power source, and the
connecting means includes a wiring arrangement. The circular saw
further comprises a locking assembly for locking the handle in a
position relative to the housing. Also, the circular saw preferably
comprises means for preventing the switch assembly from connecting
the motor to the power source when the locking assembly is in the
unlocked condition and means for preventing the locking assembly
from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition when the switch assembly is in the operated
condition.
Inventors: |
Zeiler; Jeffrey Michael;
(Pewaukee, WI) ; Ahlswede; Scott George;
(Plymouth, WI) ; Brault; Richard Paul; (Cedarburg,
WI) ; Holly; Jeffrey Scott; (Menomonee Falls, WI)
; Hessenberger; Jeffrey Charles; (Neosho, WI) ;
James; Thomas Paul; (Oconomowoc, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David B. Smith;MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202-4108
US
|
Family ID: |
22464216 |
Appl. No.: |
11/322459 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11297898 |
Dec 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
11322459 |
Dec 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
10614528 |
Jul 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
11297898 |
Dec 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
09940222 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
6588112 |
|
|
10614528 |
Jul 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
09618217 |
Jul 18, 2000 |
6301790 |
|
|
09940222 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
|
|
|
09134626 |
Aug 14, 1998 |
6108916 |
|
|
09618217 |
Jul 18, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
83/13 ; 30/388;
83/399 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/626 20150401;
B27B 5/29 20130101; H01H 3/20 20130101; Y10T 83/05 20150401; B27B
9/00 20130101; H01H 9/06 20130101; B27B 9/02 20130101; Y10T 83/04
20150401; Y10T 83/0605 20150401; Y10T 83/869 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
083/013 ;
083/399; 030/388 |
International
Class: |
B23D 45/16 20060101
B23D045/16 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a saw, the saw including a housing, a
motor operable to drive a saw blade, a handle, and a locking
assembly operable to lock the handle in a position, the locking
assembly having a locked condition, in which the handle is fixed in
a position, and an unlocked condition, in which the handle is
movable, the method comprising the acts of: positioning the handle
in a first position; operating the locking assembly to the locked
condition to fix the handle in the first position; with the handle
in the first position, grasping the handle to provide for movement
of the saw blade relative to a work piece; operating the saw with
the handle in the first position; operating the locking assembly to
the unlocked condition; with the locking assembly in the unlocked
condition, preventing operation of the motor; positioning the
handle in a second position; operating the locking assembly to the
locked condition to fix the handle in the second position; with the
handle in the second position, grasping the handle to provide for
movement of the saw blade relative to a work piece; and operating
the saw with the handle in the second position.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the saw further includes a switch
assembly operable to connect the motor to a power source, and
wherein the acts of operating the saw include the act of operating
the switch assembly to connect the motor to the power source.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion engageable by an operator to operate the switch
assembly, and wherein the act of operating the switch assembly
includes the act of engaging the trigger portion to operate the
switch assembly.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the act of preventing operation
of the motor includes the act of preventing operation of the motor
through cooperation between the locking assembly and the switch
assembly.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the act of preventing operation
of the motor through cooperation between the locking assembly and
the switch assembly includes the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source to thereby prevent the motor from being
operated.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source includes the act of engaging a portion of the
trigger portion to prevent the switch assembly from connecting the
motor to the power source.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the switch assembly is operable
between an unoperated condition, in which the motor is not
connectable to the power source, and an operated condition, in
which the motor is connectable to the power source, and wherein the
acts of operating the saw include the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the locking assembly includes an
actuating member, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated includes the act of engaging a portion of the
actuating member to prevent the locking assembly from being
operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the saw includes a circular saw,
wherein the motor is operable to rotatably drive the saw blade
about an axis, and wherein the acts of operating the saw include
the act of rotatably drive the saw blade to cut a workpiece.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the act of positioning the
handle in a first position includes the act of positioning the
handle in one of a push handle position and a top handle position,
and wherein the act of positioning the handle in a second position
includes the act of positioning the handle in the other of a push
handle position and a top handle position.
11. The method of claim 1, and further comprising the act of moving
the handle from relative to at least a portion of the housing from
the first position to the second position.
12. The method of claim 1 1, wherein the housing includes a guard
covering an upper portion of the blade, and wherein the act of
moving the handle includes the act of moving the handle relative to
the guard.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the housing includes motor
housing, and wherein the act of moving the handle includes the act
of moving the handle relative to the motor housing.
14. A method of operating a saw, the saw including a housing, a
motor operable to drive a saw blade, a handle, a switch assembly
operable to connect the motor to a power source, and a locking
assembly operable to lock the handle in a position, the locking
assembly having a locked condition, in which the handle is fixed in
a position, and an unlocked condition, in which the handle is
movable, the method comprising the acts of: positioning the handle
in a first position; operating the locking assembly to the locked
condition to fix the handle in the first position; with the handle
in the first position, grasping the handle to provide for movement
of the saw blade relative to a work piece; operating the saw with
the handle in the first position; operating the locking assembly to
the unlocked condition; with the locking assembly in the unlocked
condition, preventing operation of the motor through cooperation
between the locking assembly and the switch assembly; positioning
the handle in a second position; operating the locking assembly to
the locked condition to fix the handle in the second position; with
the handle in the second position, grasping the handle to provide
for movement of the saw blade relative to a work piece; and
operating the saw with the handle in the second position.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion engageable by an operator to operate the switch
assembly, and wherein the act of operating the switch assembly
includes the act of engaging the trigger portion to operate the
switch assembly.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the act of preventing operation
of the motor through cooperation between the locking assembly and
the switch assembly includes the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source to thereby prevent the motor from being
operated.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source includes the act of engaging a portion of the
trigger portion to prevent the switch assembly from connecting the
motor to the power source.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the switch assembly is operable
between an unoperated condition, in which the motor is not
connectable to the power source, and an operated condition, in
which the motor is connectable to the power source, and wherein the
acts of operating the saw include the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the locking assembly includes
an actuating member, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated includes the act of engaging a portion of the
actuating member to prevent the locking assembly from being
operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the saw includes a circular
saw, wherein the motor is operable to rotatably drive the saw blade
about an axis, and wherein the acts of operating the saw include
the act of rotatably drive the saw blade to cut a workpiece.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the act of positioning the
handle in a first position includes the act of positioning the
handle in one of a push handle position and a top handle position,
and wherein the act of positioning the handle in a second position
includes the act of positioning the handle in the other of a push
handle position and a top handle position.
22. The method of claim 14, and further comprising the act of
moving the handle from relative to at least a portion of the
housing from the first position to the second position.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the housing includes a guard
covering an upper portion of the blade, and wherein the act of
moving the handle includes the act of moving the handle relative to
the guard.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the housing includes motor
housing, and wherein the act of moving the handle includes the act
of moving the handle relative to the motor housing.
25. A method of operating a circular saw, the saw including a
housing, a motor operable to rotatably drive a saw blade about an
axis, a handle, and a locking assembly operable to lock the handle
in a position, the locking assembly having a locked condition, in
which the handle is fixed in a position, and an unlocked condition,
in which the handle is movable, the method comprising the acts of:
positioning the handle in a first position; operating the locking
assembly to the locked condition to fix the handle in the first
position; with the handle in the first position, grasping the
handle to provide for movement of the saw blade relative to a work
piece; operating the saw with the handle in the first position;
operating the locking assembly to the unlocked condition; with the
locking assembly in the unlocked condition, preventing operation of
the motor; positioning the handle in a second position; operating
the locking assembly to the locked condition to fix the handle in
the second position; with the handle in the second position,
grasping the handle to provide for movement of the saw blade
relative to a work piece; and operating the saw with the handle in
the second position.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the saw further includes a
switch assembly operable to connect the motor to a power source,
and wherein the acts of operating the saw include the act of
operating the switch assembly to connect the motor to the power
source.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion engageable by an operator to operate the switch
assembly, and wherein the act of operating the switch assembly
includes the act of engaging the trigger portion to operate the
switch assembly.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the act of preventing operation
of the motor includes the act of preventing operation of the motor
through cooperation between the locking assembly and the switch
assembly.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the act of preventing operation
of the motor through cooperation between the locking assembly and
the switch assembly includes the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source to thereby prevent the motor from being
operated.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the switch assembly includes a
trigger portion, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
locking assembly, the switch assembly from connecting the motor to
the power source includes the act of engaging a portion of the
trigger portion to prevent the switch assembly from connecting the
motor to the power source.
31. The method of claim 25, wherein the switch assembly is operable
between an unoperated condition, in which the motor is not
connectable to the power source, and an operated condition, in
which the motor is connectable to the power source, and wherein the
acts of operating the saw include the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the locking assembly includes
an actuating member, and wherein the act of preventing, with the
switch assembly in the operated condition, the locking assembly
from being operated includes the act of engaging a portion of the
actuating member to prevent the locking assembly from being
operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
33. The method of claim 25, wherein the act of positioning the
handle in a first position includes the act of positioning the
handle in one of a push handle position and a top handle position,
and wherein the act of positioning the handle in a second position
includes the act of positioning the handle in the other of a push
handle position and a top handle position.
34. The method of claim 25, and further comprising the act of
moving the handle from relative to at least a portion of the
housing from the first position to the second position.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the housing includes a guard
covering an upper portion of the blade, and wherein the act of
moving the handle includes the act of moving the handle relative to
the guard.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the housing includes motor
housing, and wherein the act of moving the handle includes the act
of moving the handle relative to the motor housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending patent application Ser.
No. 11/297,898, filed Dec. 9, 2005 (Attorney Docket No.
066042-9216-05), and is a divisional of co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 10/614,528, filed Jul. 7, 2003, which is a
continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/940,222, filed Aug.
27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,112, issued Jul. 8, 2003, which
is a division of patent application Ser. No. 09/618,217, filed Jul.
18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,790, issued Oct. 16, 2001, which
is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/134,626, filed
Aug. 14, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,916, issued Aug. 29, 2000,
the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to power tools and, more
particularly, to a handle arrangement for power tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A power tool, such as a circular saw, generally includes a
housing supporting a motor which rotatably drives a tool element,
such as a saw blade. Typically, an operator's handle is integrally
formed with the housing. In a circular saw, a shoe plate supports
the saw on the surface of a workpiece.
[0004] In some circular saws, the housing is adjustable relative to
the shoe plate to change the depth of cut of the saw blade. For
example, the housing may pivot relative to the shoe plate about an
axis adjacent the front of the shoe plate (front pivot depth
adjustment) or about an axis adjacent the rear of the shoe plate
(rear pivot depth adjustment). In another construction, the shoe
plate is slidably lowered and raised relative to the housing (drop
shoe depth adjustment). In each of these depth adjustment
arrangements, when the depth of cut of the saw blade is adjusted,
the position and/or orientation of the handle relative to the
workpiece is also adjusted.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 discloses a modular housing system
for a circular saw. The circular saw includes a single, one-piece
housing having an interface portion which interchangeably mounts
either a pivot adjust subassembly or a vertical (drop shoe) adjust
subassembly for changing the depth of cut of the circular saw. The
main handle can have either a "push handle" configuration or a "top
handle" configuration. The selected handle component is slipped
onto the one-piece field case and secured by fasteners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One independent problem with a circular saw including an
operator's handle that is integrally formed with the housing, is
that, in some cutting operations, the operator may prefer a "push
handle" to a "top handle" or vice versa. However, the operator
cannot adjust the handle to the desired position relative to the
housing.
[0007] Another independent problem with a circular saw with an
integral handle is that, when the depth of cut of the saw blade is
adjusted, the handle position and orientation also changes. The
resulting handle position is often uncomfortable and is seldom the
optimal position for operation of the circular saw.
[0008] For example, in a circular saw with a front pivot depth
adjustment assembly, at full depth of cut, the handle is typically
positioned as a "push handle". At a minimum depth of cut, the
handle position is changed to a "top handle" position. In a
circular saw with a rear pivot depth adjustment assembly, at full
depth of cut, the handle must be oriented above a typical "push
handle" position because, when the saw is adjusted to a minimum
depth of cut, the handle is lowered.
[0009] One independent problem with the handle arrangement
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 is that the circular saw
includes two separate handles. The handle component that is not in
use must be stored and may be lost or damaged.
[0010] Another independent problem with the handle arrangement
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,324 is that the saw includes a
handle that is only a "push handle" or a "top handle" and that is
not adjustable between these configurations. Additional fasteners
are also required.
[0011] The present invention provides a handle arrangement for a
power tool that alleviates the one or more of the above-described
and other independent problems with the above-described handle
arrangements. In some aspects, the invention provides a power tool,
such as a circular saw, that generally includes a handle that is
movable relative to the motor housing. Preferably, the handle is
pivotable about the axis of the saw blade relative to the motor
housing.
[0012] Also, in some aspects, the invention provides a locking
assembly for locking the handle in a position relative to the
housing. Preferably, the locking assembly provides a frictional
engagement between the handle and the housing and includes a
clamping member that releasably applies a clamping force to the
housing to lock the handle in a position relative to the housing.
Preferably, the locking assembly also provides a positive
engagement between the handle and the housing and includes
inter-engaging teeth formed on both the handle and the housing.
[0013] Further, in some aspects, the invention provides means for
connecting the switch to the motor to accommodate movement of the
switch with the handle and relative to the motor. Preferably, the
connecting means are provided by a wiring arrangement.
[0014] In addition, in some aspects, the invention provides
interaction between the switch and the locking assembly to prevent
inadvertent operation of one when the other is operated.
Specifically, the switch preferably cannot be operated when the
locking assembly is unlocked, and the locking assembly cannot be
unlocked when the switch is connecting the motor to the power
source.
[0015] One independent advantage of the present invention is that
the handle is movable relative to the housing of the power tool to
allow the operator to position the handle as desired for a given
cutting operation. As a result, the operator can adjust the handle
to a position that is most comfortable and allows the greatest
control of the circular saw during cutting operations.
[0016] Another independent advantage of the present invention is
that, when the circular saw is adjusted to change the depth of cut
of the saw blade, the operator can also adjust the handle to an
optimum position for the given cutting operation.
[0017] Yet another independent advantage of the present invention
is that the circular saw does not include additional components
that must be substituted for one another to change the
configuration of the handle or additional fasteners. This reduces
the chance that such an additional component is lost or damaged and
also eliminates the need to store additional components.
[0018] A further independent advantage of the present invention is
that the handle is adjustable to substantially any position between
a first position, such as a "push handle" position, and a second
position, such as a "top handle" position.
[0019] Other independent features and independent advantages of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
review of the following detailed description, claims and
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are side views of a power tool embodying
the invention and illustrating the adjustment of the handle
arrangement.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power tool shown in
FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
power tool shown in FIG. 2 with portions cut away.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the handle
arrangement shown in FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 4 and
illustrating the locking assembly in an unlocked condition.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a
portion of the handle arrangement shown in FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
handle arrangement shown in FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a view taken generally along line 8A-8A in FIG.
6.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 8A and
illustrating the shuttle switch in a lateral position.
[0029] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of the construction and the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out
in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] A power tool embodying aspects of the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1A. In the illustrated construction, the power
tool is a circular saw 10 and includes a motor housing 14
supporting an electric motor 18 (shown schematically in FIG. 1A).
The motor 18 is connectable to a power source and is operable to
rotatably drive a tool element, such as a saw blade 22, about an
axis 26 to cut a workpiece W.
[0031] The circular saw 10 also includes (see FIGS. 1A-1C) a shoe
plate 30 connected to the housing 14 for pivotal movement about a
pivot axis 34. The shoe plate 30 has a support surface 38 for
supporting the circular saw 10 on the surface of the workpiece W.
An aperture 42 is defined by the shoe plate 30. A portion of the
saw blade 22 extends through the aperture 42 to cut the workpiece
W. FIG. 1A illustrates the shoe plate 30 adjusted so that the saw
blade 22 is at a maximum depth of cut. FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate
the shoe plate 30 adjusted so that the saw blade 22 is at a minimum
depth of cut.
[0032] In the illustrated construction, the circular saw 10
includes a front pivot depth adjustment assembly 46 to adjust the
depth of cut of the saw blade 22. The depth adjustment assembly 46
includes a pivot member 50 defining the pivot axis 34 and pivotally
connecting the shoe plate 30 to the housing 14. As shown in FIG.
1B, a guide member 54 cooperates with a depth adjustment locking
member 58 (shown in phantom) to lock the shoe plate 30 in a pivoted
position relative to the housing 14 thereby fixing the depth of cut
of the saw blade 22. A depth adjustment lever 62 operates the
locking member 58 between locked and unlocked positions.
[0033] In other constructions (not shown), the circular saw 10 may
include, for example, a rear pivot depth adjustment assembly or a
drop shoe depth adjustment assembly rather than the front pivot
depth adjustment assembly 46. It should be understood that the
present invention applies to a circular saw with any type of depth
adjustment assembly.
[0034] The circular saw 10 also includes (see FIGS. 2-6) a movable
handle arrangement 66. The movable handle arrangement 66 includes a
main operator's handle member 70 movably supported on a support
portion 72 of the housing 14 so that the position of the handle
member 70 is adjustable relative to the housing 14. Further, with
the depth adjustment assembly 46 locked and the saw blade 22 at a
desired depth of cut, the handle member 70 is adjustable relative
to the shoe plate 30 and relative to the surface of the workpiece W
(as shown in the change of position between FIGS. 1B and 1C).
[0035] In the illustrated construction, the handle member 70 has
(see FIGS. 4-6) opposite handle halves 74 and a rearward grip
member 78. Further, in the illustrated construction, the handle
member 70 is supported to be pivotable about the axis 26 of the saw
blade 22 relative to the housing 14. However, in other
constructions (not shown), the handle member 70 may be pivotable
about an axis that is generally parallel to the axis 26. Also, in
yet other constructions (not shown), the handle member 70 may be
slidable along an axis normal to the axis 26 relative to the
housing 14.
[0036] The circular saw 10 also includes (see FIGS. 3-7) a locking
assembly 82 to fix the handle member 70 on the support portion 72
of the housing 14 in a pivoted position relative to the housing 14.
As explained in more detail below, the locking assembly 82 is
operable between a locked condition (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6), in
which the handle member 70 is fixed in a position relative to the
housing 14, and an unlocked condition (shown in FIG. 5), in which
the position of the handle member 70 relative to the housing 14 is
adjustable.
[0037] The locking assembly 82 includes (see FIGS. 3-7) a locking
member 86 which, in the illustrated construction, is a clamping
band movably supported on the handle member 70 to releasably apply
a clamping force to the support portion 72 of the housing 14. As
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one end 90 of the locking member 86 is
fixed to a stud 94 formed on the handle member 70. The other end 98
of the locking member 86 supports a through pin 100 and is movably
connected to the handle member 70, as explained in more detail
below. The handle member 70 and the locking member 86 are connected
about the support portion 72 of the housing 14.
[0038] The locking assembly 82 also includes (see FIGS. 3-7) an
actuating member 102 for moving the locking member 86 between a
locked position and an unlocked position corresponding to the
locked condition and the unlocked condition, respectively, of the
locking assembly 82. The actuating member 102 is pivotably
supported on the handle member 70 and includes a cam-shaped portion
106 and a lever portion 110. A tapped pin 114 is supported
off-center in the cam-shaped portion 106, and an annular opening
118 is formed in the cam-shaped portion 106. A tab 122 extends from
the lower surface of the lever portion 110.
[0039] To movably connect the end 98 of the locking member 86 to
the handle member 70, the locking assembly 82 also includes a
threaded pin 126 which engages the through pin 100 connected to the
end 98 of the locking member 86. The threaded pin 126 also extends
through the tapped pin 114 supported in the cam-shaped portion 106
of the actuating member 102. The annular opening 118 accommodates
pivoting movement of the actuating member 102 relative to the
threaded pin 126.
[0040] To move the locking member 86 between the locked and
unlocked positions, the actuating member 102 is pivoted, moving the
threaded pin 126 and the end 98 of the locking member 86. As the
actuating member 102 is moved from the locked position (shown in
FIG. 4) to the unlocked position (shown in FIG. 5), the threaded
pin 126 is moved in the direction of arrow A. The locking member 86
is thus moved to the unlocked position (as shown in FIG. 5) and
does not apply a clamping force to the support portion 72 to fix
the handle member 70 in position relative to the housing 14.
[0041] To move the locking member 86 to the locked position, the
actuating member 102 is moved from the unlocked position (shown in
FIG. 5) to the locked-position (shown in FIG. 4) causing the
threaded pin 126 to be in the direction opposite to arrow A. The
locking member 86 is thus moved to the locked position (shown in
FIG. 4) and applies a clamping force to the support portion 72 of
the housing 14.
[0042] In the unlocked position (shown in FIG. 5), the threaded pin
126 is adjustable to change the clamping force applied by the
locking member 86 when the locking member 86 is in the locked
position. With the actuating member 102 in the unlocked position,
the exposed end 128 of the threaded pin 126 is accessible by the
operator to threadably loosen or tighten the locking member 86.
This adjustment of the locking member 86 may be necessary due to
manufacturing tolerances or may become necessary due to wear of the
movable handle arrangement 66.
[0043] The locking assembly 82 also includes (see FIGS. 3-5)
inter-engaging teeth 130 formed on the support portion 72 of the
housing 14 and on the handle member 70. The inter-engaging teeth
130 provide a plurality of complementary locking projections 134
and locking recesses 138 formed on the support portion 72 of the
housing 14 and on the handle member 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the
clamping force applied by the locking member 86 to the housing 14
causes close engagement of the inter-engaging teeth 130. As shown
in FIG. 5, release of the clamping force allows the inter-engaging
teeth 130 to be disengaged and moved relative to each other.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the locking assembly 82
provides both a frictional engagement, through the clamping force
applied by locking member 86 to the support portion 72 of the
housing 14, and a positive engagement, through the inter-engaging
teeth 130. In other constructions (not shown), however, the locking
assembly 82 may only provide either a frictional engagement or a
positive engagement.
[0045] For example, the locking assembly 82 may include only the
frictional engagement provided by a locking member, similar to the
locking member 86, applying a clamping force to the support portion
of the housing 14. Alternatively, the locking assembly 82 may
provide only the positive engagement, such as by a locking
projection that is engageable with a locking recess to fix the
handle member 70 in a position relative to the housing 14. Such a
positive engagement could be provided by a detent assembly between
the handle member 70 and the support portion 72 of the housing 14
with locking recesses corresponding to respective positions of the
handle member 70 relative to the housing 14.
[0046] The circular saw 10 also includes (see FIGS. 3-7) a switch
assembly 142 for selectively connecting the motor 18 to the power
source to energize the motor 18. The switch assembly 142 is
operable between an unoperated condition, in which the motor 18 is
not connected to the power source, and an operated condition, in
which the motor 18 is connected to the power source. The switch
assembly 142 includes a depressable trigger 146 connected to an
on/off switch 150. In the illustrated construction, the trigger 146
and the switch 150 are mounted for movement with the handle member
70 and relative to the motor 18.
[0047] The circular saw 10 also includes means for connecting the
switch 150 to the motor 18. The connecting means accommodates
movement of the switch 150 relative to the motor 18 so that, in any
position of the handle member 70 relative to the housing 14, the
switch 150 is operable to selectively connect the motor 18 to the
power source.
[0048] In the illustrated construction, the connecting means
includes a wiring arrangement 154 (see FIGS. 3-5) to electrically
connected the switch 150 to the motor 18. The wiring arrangement
154 includes wires 158 extending through a narrow opening 160 in
the handle member 70 and connected to the motor 18 by respective
connectors 162. The wiring arrangement 154 includes an amount of
wire 158 sufficient to accommodate movement of the switch 150 to
the extreme pivoted positions (shown in solid and phantom lines in
FIG. 3) of the handle member 70 relative to the housing 14. The
narrow opening 160 limits the movement of one end of the wires 158
thereby locating the wires 158 during movement of the handle member
70. The connectors 162 limit the movement of other end of wires
158.
[0049] In another construction (not shown), the connecting means
may include a fixed first conductor mounted on the housing 14 and
electrically connected to the motor 18. The first conductor extends
along the path of movement of the handle member 70. In this
construction, the connecting means also includes a movable second
conductor fixed to the handle member 70 and electrically connected
to the switch 150. The second conductor is movably connected to the
first conductor and moves along the first conductor to thereby
maintain the electrical connection between the switch 150 and the
motor 18 at any position of the handle member 70 relative to the
housing 14.
[0050] In yet another construction (not shown), the connecting
means may include a remote transmitter and sensor combination to
connect the switch 150 to the motor 18. In this construction, the
transmitter is fixed to and moves with the handle member 70. The
transmitter transmits a signal based on the condition of the switch
150, for example, an "ON" signal or an "OFF" signal. The sensor or
receiver is mounted on the housing 14 and electrically connected to
the motor 18. The sensor senses the transmitted signal and, if, for
example, the "ON" signal is transmitted, connects the motor 18 to
the power source. In this construction, the power source is
directly connectable to the motor 18, rather than being connected
through the switch 150.
[0051] A cover 166 is positioned over the motor 18 and the
connecting means. In the illustrated construction, the cover 166
includes a channel 170 that accommodates movement of the wires 156
between the extreme pivoted positions (shown in solid and phantom
lines in FIG. 3). The channel 170 also insures that the wiring
arrangement 154 is protected and not damaged during movement of the
handle member 70 relative to the housing 14.
[0052] The circular saw 10 also includes (see FIGS. 4-7) means for
preventing the switch assembly 142 from connecting the motor 18 to
the power source when the locking assembly 82 is in the unlocked
condition. Further, the circular saw 10 includes means for
preventing the locking assembly 82 from being operated from the
locked condition to the unlocked condition when the switch assembly
142 is in the operated condition. The locking assembly 82 and the
switch assembly 142 interact to prevent unintentional operation of
one assembly when the other assembly is being operated.
[0053] The preventing means are provided by a locking plate 174
which interacts with both the locking assembly 82 and the switch
assembly 142. The locking plate 174 includes an end 178 for
engagement with the tab 122 of the actuating member 102. At the
other end, the locking plate 174 includes a blocking portion 182
and an aperture 186. A depressable button 188 is connected to the
locking plate 174. The button 188 includes an elongated portion to
provide a debris barrier. A spring member 190 biases the locking
plate 174 toward engagement with the actuating member 102 (in the
direction of arrow B in FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, with the locking assembly 82 in the
unlocked condition, the locking plate 174 is moved by the spring
member 190 in the direction of arrow B to a position in which the
blocking portion 182 engages an upper portion 194 of the trigger
146. In this position, movement of the trigger 146 is prevented,
thereby preventing the switch 150 from connecting the motor 18 to
the power source.
[0055] During movement of the actuating member 102 to the locked
position, the tab 122 engages the end 178 and moves the locking
plate 174 in the direction opposite to arrow B. Alternatively, the
operator depresses the button 188 to move the locking plate 174.
Once the actuating member 102 is in the locked position, the end
178 engages in the recess formed on the tab 122.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, with the locking assembly 82 in the
locked condition, the locking plate 174 is in a position in which
the upper portion 194 of the trigger 146 is movable into the
aperture 186. In this position, the locking plate 174 does not
block movement of the trigger 146 and does not prevent the switch
150 from connecting the motor 18 to the power source.
[0057] In order to move the actuating member 102 to the unlocked
position, the locking plate 174 must be moved in the direction
opposite to arrow B. To move the locking plate 174, the operator
depresses the button 188, disengaging the end 178 from recess
formed on the tab 122. In the illustrated construction, the
actuating member 102 cannot be moved to the unlocked position
without the operator depressing the button 188. This reduces the
likelihood that the actuating member 102 can be accidentally moved
to the unlocked position and that the locking assembly 82 can be
accidentally released.
[0058] In another construction (not shown), the locking plate 174
does not include the button 188. An unlocking force applied by the
operator to move the actuating member 102 to the unlocked position
causes the tab 122 to move the locking plate 174 in the direction
opposite to arrow B. In such a construction, the configuration of
the tab 122 would ensure that the required unlocking force is much
greater than a force that would be applied if, for example, the
operator accidentally pulled on the actuating member 102. This
construction also reduces the likelihood of the locking assembly 82
being accidentally unlocked.
[0059] In either construction, however, when the trigger 146 is
depressed (as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4), the upper portion
194 of the trigger 146 engages the forward wall of the aperture
186, and the locking plate 174 is prevented from moving in the
direction opposite to arrow B. Thus, the locking plate 174 provides
a means for preventing the locking assembly 82 from being moved
from the locked condition to the unlocked condition when the switch
assembly 142 is in the operated condition.
[0060] With the trigger in the unoperated condition (as shown in
phantom lines in FIG. 4), the upper portion 194 of the trigger 146
does not engage the forward wall of the aperture 186. The locking
plate 174 can be moved in the direction opposite to arrow B, and
the actuating member 102 can be moved to the unlocked position
(shown in FIG. 5).
[0061] In other constructions (not shown), the preventing means may
be provided by other mechanical interaction between the locking
assembly 82 and the switch assembly 142. For example, the
preventing means may be provided by direct interaction (not shown)
between the trigger 146 and the actuating member 102 without an
additional component such as the locking plate 174.
[0062] In yet other constructions, the preventing means may be
provided by non-mechanical means, such as by additional electrical
switches which must be operated to enable operation of the locking
assembly 82 and/or the switch assembly 142. For example, the
locking assembly 82 can include a switch (not shown) electrically
connected to the switch 150. This additional switch would prevent
the switch 150 from connecting the motor 18 to the power source
when the locking assembly 82 is in the unlocked condition.
[0063] In the illustrated construction, the switch assembly 142
also includes (see FIGS. 3-7, 8A and 8B) a shuttle switch 198 for
further preventing unintentional operation of the trigger 146,
thereby further preventing unintentional operation of the switch
150 and the motor 18. The shuttle switch 198 is supported for
lateral movement (in the direction of arrow C in FIGS. 8A and 8B)
by the handle member 70. The shuttle switch 198 includes (see FIGS.
8A and 8B) two ribs 202 and defines three pockets 206. A biasing
member 210 (see FIG. 6) biases the shuttle switch 198 to a centered
position (as shown in FIG. 8A).
[0064] With the shuttle switch 198 in the centered position (shown
in FIG. 8A), the upper portion 194 of the trigger 146 contacts the
ribs 202, preventing the switch 150 from connecting the motor 18 to
the power source. To operate the switch 150, the shuttle switch 198
must first be moved laterally (in the direction of arrow C in FIGS.
8A and 8B) against the force of the biasing member 210. With the
shuttle switch 198 in a lateral position (such as that shown in
FIG. 8B), the upper portion 194 of the trigger 146 does not contact
the ribs 202 but passes into the pockets 206 defined between the
ribs 202. The trigger 146 can thus operate the switch 150 to
connect the motor 18 to the power source. It should be understood
that the shuttle switch 198 can also be to a lateral position
opposite to that shown in FIG. 8B to allow movement of the trigger
146.
[0065] Movement of the shuttle switch 198 to a lateral position
(such as that shown in FIG. 8B) does not affect operation of the
trigger 146 when the locking assembly 82 is in the unlocked
condition (as shown in FIG. 5). Further, with the locking assembly
82 in the locked condition, the shuttle switch 198 must also be
moved to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 8B to allow the trigger
146 to be operated.
[0066] In operation, the operator selects the desired position of
the handle member 70 relative to the housing 14 and ensures that
the locking assembly 82 is in the locked condition as shown in
FIGS. 1A, 2 and 4. The operator then operates the circular saw 10
to cut the workpiece W.
[0067] When the operator wants to change the position of the handle
member 70 relative to the housing 14, for example, when the depth
of cut of the saw blade 22 is adjusted, the operator first moves
the switch assembly 142 to the unoperated condition by releasing
the trigger 146.
[0068] The operator can then move the locking assembly 82 to the
unlocked condition. The button 188 is depressed, and the actuating
member 102 is moved to the unlocked position (as shown in FIG. 5)
so that the locking member 86 does not apply a clamping force to
the support portion 72 of the housing 14 and the inter-engaging
teeth 130 are disengaged. The handle member 70 is then moved to the
desired position relative to the housing 14, and the locking
assembly 82 is moved to the locked condition. The locking member 86
applies the clamping force to the support portion 72 of the housing
14, and the inter-engaging teeth 130 are engaged. To continue
cutting operations, the operator then moves the shuttle switch 198
to a lateral position (such as that shown in FIG. 8B), and
depresses the trigger 146 to operate the motor 18 and cut the
workpiece W.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the operator can adjust the handle
member 70 after the depth of cut of the saw blade 22 has been
adjusted to maintain a "push handle" orientation (illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1C). The operator can also adjust the position of the
handle member 70 to provide additional comfort to the operator. For
example, if the operator is cutting a workpiece W that is
positioned lower than the operator's waist, the operator might
prefer a top handle position and may thus move the handle member 70
upwardly. Alternatively, in some cutting operations, the operator
may prefer the "push handle" orientation to the "top handle"
orientation. The operator can then move the handle member 70 from
the higher "top handle" orientation to the lower "push handle"
orientation.
[0070] One or more independent features and independent advantages
of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *