U.S. patent application number 11/673916 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for belt clip for power tools.
Invention is credited to Mark Alan Etter, Alan Gene Phillips, Daniel Paxton Wall.
Application Number | 20070125565 11/673916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34860797 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070125565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Etter; Mark Alan ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
BELT CLIP FOR POWER TOOLS
Abstract
A power tool, such as a drill/driver or a reciprocating saw, can
be provided with a belt clip which attaches to the tool at multiple
positions to adapt to the user's preference. The belt clip can be
side-mounted to a drill/driver to facilitate holstering of the
drill/driver and to reduce the profile of the drill/driver.
Inventors: |
Etter; Mark Alan; (Jackson,
TN) ; Wall; Daniel Paxton; (Humboldt, TN) ;
Phillips; Alan Gene; (Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Family ID: |
34860797 |
Appl. No.: |
11/673916 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10849774 |
May 21, 2004 |
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11673916 |
Feb 12, 2007 |
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10773252 |
Feb 9, 2004 |
7143841 |
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10849774 |
May 21, 2004 |
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09972980 |
Oct 10, 2001 |
6688407 |
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10773252 |
Feb 9, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
173/170 ;
173/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44017 20150115;
B25F 5/02 20130101; B25H 3/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
173/170 ;
173/171 |
International
Class: |
B23B 45/00 20060101
B23B045/00; B25D 17/04 20060101 B25D017/04 |
Claims
1. A drill/driver comprising: a housing with a barrel portion, the
barrel portion at least partially enclosing a rotary motor, the
housing having a switch which controls the rotary motor; the
housing having a central axis defined by a plane that approximately
divides in half the barrel portion of the housing with a first side
of the housing on one side of the central axis and a second side of
the housing on the other opposite side of the central axis; a clip
assembly capable of suspending the drill/driver from a surface, the
clip assembly comprising a tool mating surface and being
selectively mountable by a user to the housing in at least two
separate positions: a first position where the clip assembly is on
the first side of the housing and a second position where the clip
assembly is on the second side of the housing; a pad formed on the
housing at the first position and comprising a bore formed in the
pad and a projection receiving recess formed in the pad, the shape
of the pad generally conforming with the shape of the clip assembly
tool mating surface.
2. The drill/driver of claim 1, the barrel portion further
comprising: a top side; a bottom side generally opposite the top
side; a front side; a back side portion generally opposite the
front side; a chuck for holding a drill or screwdriver bit
extending from the front side; and a grip attached to the bottom
side.
3. The drill/driver of claim 1 wherein the second position is
approximately symmetrical about the central axis with respect to
the first position.
4. The drill/driver of claim 1 wherein the clip assembly has a bore
for receiving a fastener that holds the clip on the housing.
5. The drill/driver of claim 4 wherein the fastener passes through
the bore in the clip assembly and attaches to the bore formed in
the pad.
6. The drill/driver of claim 5 wherein the clip assembly comprises
a projection extending from the clip assembly and engaging the
projection receiving recess formed in the pad.
7. The drill/driver of claim 6 wherein the projection is an
indexing projection and the projection engaging recess is an
indexing projection engaging recess such that when the projection
engages the recess, the clip assembly tool mating surface cannot
rotate relative to the housing.
8. The drill/driver of claim 6, the drill/driver further comprising
a second pad formed on the housing at the second position and
comprising a second bore formed in the second pad and a second
projection receiving recess formed in the second pad, the shape of
the second pad generally conforming with the shape of the clip
assembly tool mating surface.
9. The drill/driver of claim 8, wherein the clip assembly may be
positioned on the first pad and secured to the housing by the
fastener attaching to the first bore and alternatively may be
positioned on the second pad and secured to the housing by the
fastener attaching to the second bore.
10. The drill/driver of claim 1 wherein the pad is a raised
pad.
11. The drill/driver of claim 1 wherein the clip assembly is
generally rigid and unitary in construction.
12. A drill/driver comprising: a housing with a barrel portion and
a grip portion, the barrel portion at least partially enclosing a
rotary motor, the grip portion having a switch which controls the
rotary motor; the housing being generally symmetrical about a
central plane with a first side of the housing on one side of the
central plane and a second side of the housing on the other
opposite side of the central plain; a belt clip being selectively
mountable by a user to the housing in at least two separate
positions: a first position where the belt clip is on the first
side of the housing and a second position where the belt clip is on
the second side of the housing; a bore formed in the first side of
the housing; a projection receiving recess formed in the first side
of the housing; and a pad formed on the first side of housing for
attaching the belt clip, the pad having a perimeter that
corresponds generally to the shape of the belt clip when the belt
clip is attached to the housing; wherein the bore and the
projection receiving recess are each formed on the pad.
13. The drill/driver of claim 12 wherein the second position is
approximately symmetrical about the central plane with respect to
the first position.
14. The drill/driver of claim 12 wherein the barrel portion
comprises: a top side portion; a bottom side portion generally
opposite the top side portion; a first side portion; a second side
portion generally opposite the first side portion; a front portion,
a chuck for holding a drill or screwdriver bit extending from the
front side portion; and a back side portion generally opposite the
front side portion, the grip portion being attached to the bottom
side portion; wherein, the first pad is positioned on the first
side portion, and a second pad is positioned on the second side
portion.
15. The drill/driver of claim 14 wherein when the belt clip is
mounted in either of the first position or the second position, the
belt clip is positioned closer to the back side portion of the
barrel portion of the housing than to the front side portion.
16. The drill/driver of claim 12 wherein belt clip comprises a
fastener that extends into the bore formed in the pad.
17. The drill/driver of claim 16 wherein the belt clip further
comprises a bore, the fastener extending through the clip bore and
into the housing bore.
18. The drill/driver of claim 12 wherein belt clip comprises a
projection extending therefrom, the projection engaging the
projection receiving recess.
19. The drill/driver of claim 12 wherein the belt clip comprises: a
tool mating surface; a first projection having a first end
generally adjacent the tool mating surface and a second end spaced
some distance from the first end; and a second projection extending
generally perpendicularly to the first projection.
20. A drill/driver comprising: a housing with a barrel portion and
a grip portion, the barrel portion at least partially enclosing a
rotary motor, the grip portion having a switch which controls the
rotary motor; the housing having a central axis defined by a plane
that approximately divides in half the barrel portion of the
housing and the grip portion of the housing with a first side of
the housing on one side of the central axis and a second side of
the housing on the other opposite side of the central axis; a means
for holding the drill/driver from a surface when the drill/drive is
not in use, the means for holding selectively detachably mountable
by a user to the housing in at least two separate positions: a
first position where the means for holding is on the first side of
the housing and a second position where the means for holding is on
the second side of the housing; a first bore formed in the first
side of the housing; a first indexing projection receiving recess
formed in the first side of the housing; and a pad formed on the
housing with a perimeter that corresponds generally to a profile of
the means for holding that is adjacent to the housing when the
means for holding is attached to the housing, wherein the first
bore and the first indexing projection receiving recess are each
formed on the pad.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/849,774, filed May 21, 2004, which
application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/773,252, filed Feb. 9, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,841, issued
Dec. 5, 2006), which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/972,980 filed Oct. 10, 2001 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,407, issued Feb. 10, 2004). Each of these
applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to belt clips for hand-held
power tools.
[0003] Belt clips mounted on the top surface of a drill/driver
housing are known in the art and are substantially flat, elongated
members that extend substantially parallel to the top surface of
the tool housing, at a height just slightly elevated from the top
surface of the housing. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,206, for example, a
hand-held, motor-driven tightening tool is illustrated having a
belt clip. The belt clip is integrally formed with the top surface
of the tool housing. Belt clips on other hand-held power tools are
also known.
[0004] A prior art hand-held drill/driver 100 having a belt clip
110 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. The belt clip 110 is
formed as an integral part of the housing 104 of the drill/driver
100. Like many belt clips known in the art, belt clip 110 has a
substantially flat elongated portion 112 extending parallel to the
top surface 106 of the tool housing 104. The flat, elongated
portion 112 is slightly elevated from top surface 106 so as to form
a receiving space 108 therebetween.
[0005] Belt clip 110 enables the user to secure the drill/driver
100 or other tool to a tool belt, pants pocket, or other suitable
receiving means. As a result, a user can temporarily store the tool
in a convenient location to allow the user to use both hands for a
task, or to rapidly switch to another tool. A user on a ladder, for
example, does not have to interrupt work in order to climb down the
ladder to replace or retrieve a tool.
[0006] Despite providing a convenient means to carry hand-held
power tools, conventional belt clips on the top surface of a tool
housing do not enhance the performance of the tool while it is
being operated by the user. Conventional belt clips do not do
anything to facilitate wielding or holding the drill/driver. In
fact, conventional belt clips are typically positioned on hand-held
power tools so that the user does not contact or interact in any
other way with the belt clip while the tool is in use.
[0007] Furthermore, when the belt clip is positioned on the top
surface of the housing of a drill/driver, as in U.S. Pat. No.
5,372,206, attaching the belt clip to a tool belt or receiving
means causes the pistol grip portion of the drill/driver to extend
substantially perpendicular with respect to the receiving surface.
For example, if the power tool in U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,206 is
attached to a tool belt at a position corresponding with the user's
hip, the profile of the tool extending from the tool belt is at a
maximum. The user's hand and forearm may inconveniently contact the
pistol grip as the user searches for and retrieves other tools and
implements from the tool belt.
[0008] Having the belt clip positioned on the top surface of a
drill/driver causes the drill/driver to be holstered to the user's
tool belt or other receiving means in a configuration which is not
ergonomically desirable. For example, in order for the user to
holster the drill/driver to a tool belt or other receiving means on
the front portion of a user's pants, the user must rotate their arm
and wrist into an uncomfortable and unconventional position.
[0009] These and other drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by
the belt clip and drill/driver of the preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0010] In addition to their use with a drill/driver, the belt clip,
attaching means, and other features are also useful with a
reciprocating saw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art hand-held
drill/driver having a top-mounted belt clip.
[0012] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side, top, and isometric views,
respectively, of the belt clip mounted to the side of a
drill/driver according to a first preferred embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 2D and 2E are rear views of the drill/driver in FIGS.
2A, 2B, and 2C showing the attachment of the belt clip to either
side of the drill/driver.
[0014] FIG. 2F is a sectional view of the drill/driver taken along
line A-A of FIG. 2D showing the attachment of the belt clip to the
side of the drill/driver.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a user's hands showing the
nomenclature of the fingers and other parts of the hand as used
herein.
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are isometric views of the drill/driver with
the side-mounted belt clip grasped in the thumb-rest hold.
[0017] FIGS. 5A and 5B are isometric views of the drill/driver with
the side-mounted belt clip grasped in the power-grip hold.
[0018] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate side, top, rear, and
isometric views, respectively, of a first preferred embodiment of
the belt clip.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a drill/driver conveniently
fastened to a tool belt via the side-mounted belt clip
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view of a reciprocating saw with a belt
clip mounted thereto.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the reciprocating saw of FIG.
8 with the belt clip mounted on the opposite side thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] For convenience in describing the preferred embodiments, the
belt clip will first be described as a belt clip on a drill/driver.
It will be understood, however, that the belt clip is not limited
to use with a drill/driver, as it can be advantageously
incorporated into other hand-held power tools in a similar manner.
For example, the belt clip and features of the belt clip can be
incorporated on and used with a reciprocating saw, as shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0023] Also, the term drill/driver shall be construed herein to
encompass the entire range of hand-held drills and power
screwdrivers and other similar tools which have the same basic
shape as the drill/driver illustrated in the figures.
[0024] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate the belt clip mounted on a
drill/driver 300. Drill/driver 300 has a housing with a barrel
portion 310 and a pistol grip portion 320. The barrel portion 310
at least partially encloses the rotary motor (not shown) which
powers the drill/driver 300. The barrel portion 310 further
comprises a first side portion 311, a second side portion 312, a
top side portion 313, a bottom side portion 314, a front side
portion 315, and a back side portion 316. The first and second side
portions 311, 312 generally oppose one another on the housing, as
do the top side portion 313 and bottom side portion 314, and the
front side portion 315 and back side portion 316. A drill chuck or
screwdriver clutch and nosepiece assembly, if provided, extend from
the front side portion 315. The pistol grip portion 320 extends
away from the barrel portion 310 at the bottom side portion 314.
The pistol grip portion 320 is typically angled with respect to the
barrel portion 310 for comfort. The pistol grip portion 320 mounts
a trigger switch 321. The pistol grip portion 320 also typically
has a battery or power cord 322 extending from the distal end
thereof.
[0025] As seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, the belt clip 200 may be mounted to
the first side portion 311 of the drill/driver 300. As seen in FIG.
2B, a receiving space 250 is formed between the belt clip 200 and
the first side portion 311. A tool belt, belt loop, pants pocket,
or other accommodating surface can be received in receiving space
250 to secure the drill/driver 300 to the user's belt, clothing or
the like. The belt clip 200 may also likewise be mounted to the
second side portion 312 of the drill/driver 300. A belt clip 200
mounted to either the first side portion 311 or the second side
portion 312 of the drill/driver 300 will be referred to hereinafter
as a side-mounted belt clip.
[0026] With a side-mounted belt clip, the profile of the
drill/driver 300 is significantly reduced when it is holstered to a
receiving surface. This is due to the fact that the longitudinal
plane of the receiving space 250 is generally parallel to the plane
through which the pistol grip portion 320 extends away from the
barrel portion 310. Thus, the pistol grip portion 320 extends
generally tangentially from the user's waist or other receiving
surface, instead of radially as occurs with a top-mounted belt
clip. As a result of this reduced profile when holstered, the
user's wrist or arm will be less likely to inadvertently bump into
the drill/driver 300, and the drill/driver 300 will be less likely
to inadvertently bump into obstacles. When a power cord 322 extends
from the distal end of the pistol grip portion 320, it is likewise
more advantageous to have a side-mounted belt clip than a
top-mounted belt clip. When a drill/driver with a side-mounted belt
clip is holstered, the power cord 322 will extend generally
tangentially to the user's waist instead of radially.
[0027] A side-mounted belt clip also facilitates holstering and
un-holstering the drill/driver 300 from the user's tool belt or the
like. With a side-mounted belt clip, the user is not required to
rotate his or her hand and arm excessively when holstering the
drill/driver 300, as the case may be with a top-mounted belt
clip.
[0028] Also, a side-mounted belt clip 200 on the drill/driver 300
allows the drill/driver 300 to be operated in tighter locations
where obstacles obstruct access to the workpiece. As shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B, the rotational axis of the screwdriver bit is closer to
the top portion 313 of the barrel portion 310 than either of the
two side portions 311 or 312. Thus the effective profile of the
drill/driver 300 is minimized when the top portion 313 abuts the
obstacle. For example, when driving a screw into drywall where two
walls meet in the corner of a room, the top of the drill can be
placed against one wall while driving the screw into the edge of
the other wall near the corner. This will allow the screw to be
driven into the other wall as near as possible to the corner.
However, when a belt clip is top-mounted in the manner shown in
FIG. 1, this minimum profile is increased because the top-mounted
belt clip is interposed between the top portion 313 and the
obstacle. When a belt clip is side-mounted, the minimum profile
from the rotational axis of the screwdriver bit to the top portion
313 is retained.
[0029] Besides the advantages of a smaller profile when holstered
and facilitated holstering and un-holstering of the drill/driver
300, the side-mounted belt clip can also provide very significant
ergonomic advantages in the wielding of the drill/driver 300. With
reference to FIG. 3, a user's left and right hand are illustrated
and the nomenclature used to describe each of the user's fingers
and other parts of the hand is illustrated. Each hand is labeled
with a thumb and first, second, third, and fourth fingers. Also,
the flesh between each thumb and first finger is labeled a first
web, while the flesh between each first finger and second finger is
labeled a second web. This nomenclature of FIG. 3 will be used
hereinafter to make reference to the position of the user's fingers
and other parts of the hand while wielding the drill/driver
300.
[0030] If desired, the side-mounted belt clip may be positioned to
enable a thumb-rest hold illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In FIG.
4A, the belt clip 200 is side-mounted to the first side portion 311
of the drill/driver 300. In FIG. 4B, the belt clip 200 is
side-mounted to the second side portion 312 of the drill/driver
300. In either configuration illustrated in FIG. 4A or 4B, the user
is able to grasp the drill/driver 300 with a single hand in the
thumb-rest hold. In the thumb-rest hold, the user's thumb of the
hand that is grasping the drill/driver 300 is positioned in contact
with both the belt clip 200 and one of the side portions 311 or
312. The remaining fingers are positioned in contact with either
the other of the side portions 311 or 312 or the pistol grip
portion 320. At least one of the remaining fingers is in contact
with the pistol grip portion 320 and can actuate the trigger switch
321. Specifically, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first and second fingers
are in contact with the first or second side portions 311 or 312,
and the third and fourth fingers are in contact with the pistol
grip portion 320 and can actuate the trigger switch 321.
[0031] As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the thumb-rest hold
the belt clip 200 and the side portions 311 or 312 cradle the
user's thumb. Cradling of the thumb means that there is substantial
surface contact along the sides of the thumb in addition to the
surface contact on the bottom of the thumb. The cradling of the
thumb in this manner is an important ergonomic advantage.
[0032] In order to wield the drill/driver 300, the user must
transfer forces from his fingers and hand to the surfaces of the
housing. In order to transfer certain forces to the drill/driver
300, the user must first squeeze with the fingers in order to
develop friction between the fingers and the housing. The friction
is then used to transfer forces laterally from the fingers to the
housing. With fingers positioned on both sides of the barrel
portion 310 of the housing, the lateral forces form a couple which
creates a torque. For example, in order for a thumb positioned as
illustrated in FIG. 4B to counterbalance a counter-clockwise
reaction torque from driving a screw, the user must first squeeze
the thumb into the second side portion 312. This squeezing must
result in enough friction to permit the thumb to apply a lateral
force to the housing which will form part of a couple which in turn
creates a clockwise torque to counterbalance the counter-clockwise
reaction torque.
[0033] The necessary squeezing force is reduced due to the cradling
of the thumb. With a substantial amount of contact surface on the
side of the thumb, more of the lateral force can be directly
transferred from the thumb to the housing, requiring less friction.
Less squeezing force is necessary because less friction is
necessary. As a result of the smaller squeezing force, hand fatigue
that can accompany use of the drill/driver 300 is reduced. Because
of the cradling of the thumb, the drill/driver will also feel more
"responsive" to the user, i.e., the user will feel tactilely more
able to make quick and precise movements with the drill/driver
300.
[0034] If desired, the side-mounted belt clip may be positioned to
enable a power-grip hold illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG.
5A, the belt clip 200 is mounted to the first side portion 311 of
the drill/driver 300. In FIG. 5B, the belt clip 200 is mounted to
the second side portion 312 of the drill/driver 300. In either
configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user is able to
grasp the drill/driver 300 with a single hand in the power-grip
hold. In the power-grip hold, the thumb is positioned in contact
with the side portion 311 or 312 which is opposite the belt clip
200. The first and second fingers are each positioned in contact
with the other of the side surfaces 311 or 312 and the belt clip
200, with the first finger positioned on top of the belt clip 200
and the second finger positioned below the belt clip 200. The
second web between the first and second fingers may also contact
the belt clip 200. The remaining fingers are positioned in contact
with either the side surface or the pistol grip portion 320. At
least one of the remaining fingers can actuate the trigger switch
321 positioned on the barrel portion 320. Specifically, in FIGS. 5A
and 5B the third and fourth fingers are in contact with the pistol
grip portion 320 and can actuate the trigger switch 321.
[0035] The power-grip hold enables cradling of the first and second
fingers in a manner similar to the cradling of the thumb in the
thumb-rest hold. Fatigue associated with squeezing the drill/driver
300 will also be reduced in a similar manner, and the
"responsiveness" will also similarly be improved. This hold
especially gives the user a greater feeling of stability for the
drill/driver 300.
[0036] As can be seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the belt clip
200 can be positioned on the drill/driver 300 to enable both the
thumb-rest and the power-grip holds. With the belt clip 200 mounted
on the first side portion 311, the user can grasp the drill/driver
300 with the right hand in the thumb-rest hold (FIG. 4A) or with
the left hand in the power-grip hold (FIG. 5A). With the belt clip
200 mounted on the second side portion 312, the user can grasp the
drill/driver 300 with the right hand in the power-grip hold (FIG.
5B) or with the left hand in the thumb-rest hold (FIG. 4B). Thus,
the belt clip 200 can be positioned on the drill/driver 300 for
ambidextrous use.
[0037] With either the thumb-rest or the power-grip hold, the
cradling of the fingers may be further enhanced through the
inclusion of a finger groove 317. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2D, and
2E, finger groove 317 may extend from first side portion 311 around
to back side portion 313 and continue to second side portion 312.
Alternatively, finger groove 317 may be formed discontinuously on
the first and second side portions 311, 312 without extending
across the back side portion 313. Finger groove 317 provides a
depression in the housing which can help cradle the user's thumb
and first finger when grasping the drill/driver 300. For either
hold, it may also be advantageous to position the belt clip 200 on
the drill/driver 300 so that while being grasped in the thumb-rest
or the power-grip hold, the first web of the user's hand grasping
the tool contacts the back side portion 316 at the finger groove
317.
[0038] When the finger groove 317 is included on the drill/driver
300, the belt clip 200 may be positioned so that the belt clip's
surfaces effectively continue the shape of the finger groove 317,
enlarging and enhancing the finger groove's effect of cradling the
user's thumb and first finger.
[0039] The angular position of the belt clip 200 on the first and
second side portions 311 and 312 is illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 2E.
An axis of symmetry of the drill/driver 300 is represented with a
broken line C-C in FIG. 2D and also in FIG. 2B. The term axis of
symmetry as used herein means that the features of the object are
generally symmetrical on either side of the axis. Perfect symmetry
is not necessary. An axis of symmetry of the belt clip is
represented with a broken line B-B in FIG. 2D and also in FIG. 6A.
The angular position .beta. of the belt clip 200 is defined as the
interior angle formed by the intersection of the axis of symmetry
of the drill/driver 300 represented by line C-C and the axis of
symmetry of the belt clip 200 represented by line B-B, as shown in
FIG. 2D. In a preferred embodiment, .beta. is preferably
approximately 60.degree. to 90.degree., or more preferably
approximately 70.degree. to 80.degree., or even more preferably
approximately 75.degree..
[0040] The angular position .beta. is partly dictated by the
natural grasping position of the user's hand when grasping the
drill/driver 300. As used herein, the term natural grasping
position means a position in which a user's hand may grasp a tool
so that the tool can be operated for its intended use, and a
position of a user's hand for grasping the tool which an operator
of ordinary skill in the art would naturally choose even if the
operator was unfamiliar with the operation of the tool. The angular
position .beta. may be selected so that the user's first and second
fingers will fit comfortably around the belt clip 200 in the
power-grip hold. The angular position .beta. may also be selected
so that the user's thumb will rest comfortably on the top-facing
surface of the belt clip 200 in the thumb-rest hold. Or, the
angular position .beta. may selected for facilitation of both the
power-grip and thumb-rest holds, as in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0041] The angular position .beta. may also be affected by the
position of the finger groove 317, if included on drill/driver 300.
If desired, the angular position .beta. may be selected so that the
surfaces of the belt clip 200 can effectively continue the shape of
the finger groove 317, enlarging and enhancing the finger groove's
effect of cradling the user's thumb and first finger.
[0042] It is also possible to mount belt clip 200 to other portions
of drill/driver 300. Likewise, when belt clip 200 is mounted to
other tools, its position may be selected as desired.
[0043] Belt clip 200 may be selectively detachably mounted to a
tool, if desired, so that the belt clip 200 can be removed when it
is not needed or hampers the operation to be performed by the tool.
In the illustrated embodiment, belt clip 200 is detachably mounted
to drill/driver 300 by an attaching means. The attaching means can
be any of a number of systems for selectively releasably securing
the belt clip 200 to the surface of the tool. Examples of attaching
means include a threaded recess formed in the housing for receiving
a screw extending from the belt clip, a recess for receiving a
biased snap attachment extension on the belt clip, a latch, a
sliding joint, etc. Other appropriate attaching means may also be
used, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art. Of
course, if it is not desirable to have a detachable belt clip 200,
the belt clip 200 may be permanently bonded to the housing by glue
or the like. Or the belt clip 200 may be integrally formed as part
of the housing. The term "mounted" as used herein includes items
which are formed as separate pieces and permanently or selectively
releasably held together, and items which are integrally formed
together.
[0044] In the case of belt clip 200 used with drill/driver 300, it
is especially advantageous to have the belt clip 200 detachably
mounted. Drill/driver 300 is often used in tight positions where
the protruding belt clip 200, even though its profile on the
drill/driver 300 has been minimized, can encumber the operation.
Thus, it may be necessary to remove the belt clip 200 in order to
perform certain operations in very tight spaces.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the attaching means comprises
a fastener receiving recess 295 (FIG. 2F) formed in the housing of
the drill/driver 300. A fastener 291 extends from a fastener hole
290 formed in the belt clip 200 and is received in the fastener
receiving recess 295. To further prevent relative movement between
the belt clip 200 and the drill/driver 300, an indexing tab 216 and
an indexing tab receiving recess 217 may be formed on one or the
other of the belt clip 200 and the drill/driver 300. Again, it
should be emphasized that the attaching means is not limited to the
means shown in the illustrated embodiment, but can be any of the
other systems described above, or any other appropriate attaching
means that will be recognized by those of skill in the art.
[0046] FIGS. 2D and 2E demonstrate how the belt clip 200 can be
selectively detachably mounted by the user to the first or second
side portion 311 or 312 of drill/driver 300. This may be
accomplished by providing matching, symmetrical attaching means on
both the first and second side portion 311, 312 of the drill/driver
300. Of course, more than two attaching means may be provided on
drill/driver 300. Likewise, when belt clip 200 is used with other
tools it may also be advantageous to provide multiple attaching
means so that the belt clip 200 can be selectively attached to the
tool in the location most convenient for the user. For example,
right-handed and left-handed users may prefer different positions
of belt clip 200 on a tool.
[0047] A raised pad 330 may be associated with the attaching means,
if desired. Raised pad 330 may be formed integrally as part of the
tool's housing and fastener receiving recess 295 may be formed on
the raised pad 330. A tool mating surface 218 formed on the belt
clip 200 may abut the raised pad 330 when the belt clip 200 is
attached to the attaching means. The raised pad 330 is elevated
above at least part of the housing of the tool immediately
surrounding the raised pad 330, forming a lip 331 extending at
least part way around the raised pad 330. The lip 331 can be
contoured to match curves on the belt clip 200 and the tool housing
for comfort. The lip 331 aids in the cradling of the user's thumb
and fingers in the thumb-rest hold and power-grip hold.
[0048] The raised pad 330 provides a tactilely and visually
recognizable identification of the attaching means to facilitate
attachment of the belt clip 200 by the user.
[0049] When belt clip 200 is not attached to the tool, raised pad
330 still has utility as an aid in cradling the user's thumb or
fingers. The lip 331 which extends at least partly around the
raised pad 330 can aid in cradling the user's thumb or fingers
because it extends away from the surface of the housing and
provides an additional surface for the sides of the fingers or
thumb to push on when wielding the tool.
[0050] When two attaching means and two associated raised pads 330
are provided on the first and second sides 311, 312 of a
drill/driver 300, and a belt clip 200 is mounted to one of the
attaching means, the other raised pad can be advantageously
positioned to cradle the user's thumb or fingers on the side of the
drill/driver 300 opposite the belt clip 200.
[0051] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a preferred embodiment of belt clip
200 for a hand-held power tool. Belt clip 200 may be fabricated as
a single piece using conventional injection molding techniques. It
may be comprised of any suitable plastic, such as polypropylene,
high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. Other materials and
manufacturing methods may also be used as will be recognized by
those of skill in the art.
[0052] Belt clip 200 comprises a first projection 210 and a second
projection 220. The first projection 210 forms a tool mating
surface 218 at a first end whose profile may match the profile of
the tool housing to which it will be mounted. If the belt clip 200
will be detachably mounted to the tool, the tool mating surface 218
may advantageously match the profile of the attaching means.
[0053] First projection 210 tapers outward from tool mating surface
218 to form first and second curved surfaces 230 and 240. First
projection 210 has a second end for attaching the second projection
220. First projection 210 helps to space the second projection 220
away from the tool housing. Second projection 220 extends generally
parallel to the tool housing to form the receiving recess 250 (see
FIG. 2B). First and second projections 210, 220 can be formed as
separate parts and can be permanently or semi-permanently fastened
together. Or they may be formed as one unitary component, as
illustrated in the figures. First and second projections 210, 220
can appear as generally distinctly curved, non-continuous
formations, as illustrated in the figures, or each can be part of
one mostly continuously curved formation. Preferably they are each
mostly rigid, but could be made somewhat flexible as well.
[0054] A fastener hole 290 may be formed in the belt clip 200 as
part of the attaching means to facilitate screw attachment of the
belt clip 200 to the tool. Fastener hole 290 is recessed so that
when attached to the tool, the fastener will not protrude from the
surface of the belt clip 200.
[0055] The second projection 220 may include a lead-in 221 formed
on the end thereof opposite the first projection 210. Lead-in 221
is a portion of the end of second projection 220 which is angled
outwardly from the tool surface to facilitate holstering of the
tool.
[0056] The first and second curved surfaces 230, 240 are
ergonomically contoured to generally match the profile of the
user's thumb and finger in order to comfortably cradle a thumb, a
finger, or the webs of the user's hands which may contact the first
or second curved surfaces 230, 240 and the corresponding
surrounding tool housing. The curves of the first and second curved
surfaces 230, 240 enhance the cradling which occurs during the
thumb-rest hold and the power-grip hold. When used with the finger
groove 317, at least one of the first and second curved surfaces
230, 240 can also be curved to continue, and enlarge and enhance
the effect of, the finger groove 317. In addition, the intersection
of the first and second curved surfaces 230, 240 adjacent to the
back side portion 316 may be contoured to receive the second web of
the user's hand.
[0057] In addition to the belt clip's ability to provide an
enhanced grip and greater feeling of stability when operating the
tool, it also advantageously functions as an attachment means.
Receiving space 250 is easily accessible to facilitate holstering
of the tool by the belt clip 200. As seen in FIG. 7, the belt clip
200 can secure the tool to a tool belt 600. When the belt clip is
side-mounted on a drill/driver 300, the user is not required to
rotate his or her hand and arm excessively when holstering the
drill/driver 300.
[0058] According to another aspect of the invention, a belt clip
may be incorporated on a hand-held reciprocating saw. FIGS. 8 and 9
illustrate a reciprocating saw 400 with a belt clip 500. The clip
500 can be the same as the belt clip 200 illustrated in FIGS.
6A-6D, or can be chosen to better suit particular circumstances and
needs or user preferences. The clip 500 permits the user of the
reciprocating saw 400 to suspend the saw, when not in use, from a
belt, belt loop, pants pocket, or any other accommodating surface
or suitable receiving means.
[0059] The reciprocating saw 400 has a housing 410 including a
handle portion 411, a motor portion 412, and a neck portion 413.
The user typically grasps the reciprocating saw 400 by the handle
portion 411 and the neck portion 413. The handle portion 411
includes a switch 420 for controlling a rotary motor (not shown).
The rotary motor is generally mounted within the motor portion 412
of the housing. A reciprocating shaft extends out from the neck
portion of the housing and mounts a blade holder 430. The
reciprocating saw 400 has an axis of symmetry defined by a plane
that approximately divides in half the handle portion 411, the
motor portion 412, and the neck portion 413, the plane typically
being parallel to the reciprocating shaft. The reciprocating saw
400 need not be perfectly symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.
The axis of symmetry reflects a general symmetry on each side of
the saw.
[0060] The clip 500 may be integrally formed with the housing 410
of the reciprocating saw 400, or the clip may be formed as a
separate component and attached to the housing. If desired, the
clip 500 can be attached to the housing in a manner that the user
can detach and reattach the belt clip as desired.
[0061] As with the drill/driver 300, provision can be made for
selective attachment of the clip 500 by the user at more than one
location on the reciprocating saw 400. Two opposite mounting
positions can be provided on either side of the reciprocating saw
400 for selective attachment of the clip 500 according to the
preference of a right-handed or left-handed user or other
circumstances. FIG. 8 illustrates the clip 500 mounted to the left
side of the reciprocating saw 400, or the side of the reciprocating
saw left of the axis of symmetry. FIG. 9 illustrates the clip 500
mounted to the right side of the reciprocating saw 400, or the side
of the reciprocating saw right of the axis of symmetry. The two
mounting positions can be selected so that they are approximately
symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.
[0062] The clip 500 can be mounted anywhere on the reciprocating
saw 400, as desired. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the belt clip
attached to the motor portion 412 of the housing 410. The belt clip
could also be attached to the handle portion 411 or the neck
portion 413.
[0063] The clip 500 can be attached to the reciprocating saw 400
with the same means as have been described with respect to the
attachment of the belt clip 200 to a drill/driver 300. For example,
the clip 500 could be attached to the reciprocating saw 400 with a
threaded fastener 510 passing through the clip and attaching to the
housing 410, and a projection or recess formed on the belt clip
with a mating recess or projection formed on the housing for
laterally holding the belt clip (see, e.g., FIG. 2F for a similar
illustration of this structure included on the belt clip 200 and
drill/driver 300).
[0064] Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The
specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of
the invention is accordingly intended to be defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *