U.S. patent application number 15/170702 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for pole-attached power tool systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Blount, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edgar A. Dallas, Evan Pickett.
Application Number | 20160271783 15/170702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51454595 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160271783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pickett; Evan ; et
al. |
September 22, 2016 |
POLE-ATTACHED POWER TOOL SYSTEMS
Abstract
Embodiments of a pole-attached power tool system, and related
methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pole-attached
power tool system may include a pole having a first end, a second
end, and an interior region; a handle disposed proximate to the
first end of the pole; an electric motor disposed proximate to the
first end of the pole; and a drive member disposed within the
interior region, the drive member mechanically coupled with the
electric motor and the power tool to transfer power generated by
the electric motor to a power tool.
Inventors: |
Pickett; Evan; (Tigard,
OR) ; Dallas; Edgar A.; (Beaverton, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blount, Inc. |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51454595 |
Appl. No.: |
15/170702 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14071537 |
Nov 4, 2013 |
9357712 |
|
|
15170702 |
|
|
|
|
14020721 |
Sep 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
14071537 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 3/085 20130101;
B27B 17/0008 20130101; A01G 3/086 20130101; B25F 5/02 20130101;
B25G 1/04 20130101; B25G 1/102 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B25F 5/02 20060101
B25F005/02; B27B 17/00 20060101 B27B017/00; A01G 3/08 20060101
A01G003/08; B25G 1/04 20060101 B25G001/04; B25G 1/10 20060101
B25G001/10 |
Claims
1. A power tool system, comprising: a pole having a first end, a
second end, and an interior region, wherein a longitudinal axis of
the pole defines a longitudinal direction; a first handle disposed
proximate to the first end of the pole and having a first gripping
region; a second handle, disposed proximate to the first end of the
pole and between the first handle and the second end of the pole,
having a second gripping region; an electric motor disposed between
the first gripping region and the second gripping region in the
longitudinal direction; and a drive member disposed within the
interior region, the drive member mechanically coupled with the
electric motor to transfer power generated by the electric motor to
a power tool, wherein the center of gravity of the power tool
system is located between the mid-point of the second handle and
the first end of the pole.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power tool disposed
proximate to the second end of the pole.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive member is mechanically
coupled with the electric motor by a gear box.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the gear box is disposed between
the first and second handles in the longitudinal direction.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the gear box comprises at least
one cam, gear, or shaft.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gear box disposed
proximate to the second end of the pole.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the pole has a length that is
adjustable.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pole has a length that is
adjustable, and the center of gravity of the power tool system is
located between the first handle and a mid-point of the second
handle when the pole is retracted in length.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the pole has a length that is
adjustable, and the center of gravity of the power tool system is
located between the mid-point of the second handle and the first
end of the pole when the pole is extended in length.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power source
disposed or coupled proximate to a first end of the pole.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a battery disposed
proximate to a first end of the pole.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first handle is disposed
between the battery and the electric motor in the longitudinal
direction.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the power tool system is
adjustable between multiple configurations corresponding to
different lengths of the pole and different distances between one
or more components of the pole-attached power tool system, and
wherein the center of gravity of the pole-attached power tool
system is located between the first handle and a mid-point of the
second handle when the pole is in a first configuration.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein when the center of gravity of
the pole-attached power tool system is located between the
mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole, the
center of gravity is within six inches of the mid-point of the
second handle, when the pole is in a second configuration different
from the first configuration.
15. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the drive member has
a length greater than approximately 20 inches.
16. The power tool system of claim 15, wherein the drive member has
a length greater than approximately 40 inches.
17. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are contained in a common handle housing.
18. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the drive member
extends through an interior of the second gripping region.
19. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the first handle
includes a trigger operable to commence actuation of the power
tool.
20. A method for manufacturing a power tool system, comprising:
providing a first handle and a second handle proximate to a first
end of a pole, wherein: the first handle has a first gripping
region, the second handle has a second gripping region, the second
gripping region is provided between the first gripping region and a
second end of the pole, and a longitudinal axis of the pole defines
a longitudinal direction; providing an electric motor between the
first gripping region and the second gripping region in the
longitudinal direction; and providing a drive member within an
interior region of the pole, wherein the drive member is
mechanically coupled with the electric motor to transfer power
generated by the electric motor to a power tool, wherein a center
of gravity of the power tool system is located between the
mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/071,537, which was
filed Nov. 04, 2013, titled "POLE-ATTACHED POWER TOOL SYSTEMS," and
which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/020,721, filed on Sep. 06, 2013, titled
"POLE-ATTACHED POWER TOOL SYSTEMS." The entire disclosures are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
power tools, and more particularly, to pole-attached power tool
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pole-attached power tools may be used to effectively extend
a user's reach and allow a user to work in hard-to-access
environments. These tools may be unwieldy or difficult for a user
to operate due to the length of the pole, the weight and limited
power of the gasoline engine or electric motor used to power the
tool, and the environment in which the tool is to be used, among
other factors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate
like structural elements. Embodiments are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pole-attached power
tool system, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0006] FIGS. 2-4 are schematic illustrations of various embodiments
of the pole-attached power tool system of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 5 depicts illustrative dimensions and a center of
gravity of an embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
pole-attached power tool system of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIGS. 7-8 depict illustrative dimensions and centers of
gravity of an embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system of
FIG. 1 in various configurations.
[0010] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of an
embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIGS. 10-11 are flow diagrams illustrating processes for
manufacturing a pole-attached power tool system, in accordance with
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Embodiments of a pole-attached power tool system, and
related methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a
pole-attached power tool system may include a pole having a first
end, a second end, and an interior region; a handle disposed
proximate to the first end of the pole; an electric motor disposed
proximate to the first end of the pole; a power tool disposed
proximate to the second end of the pole; and a drive member
disposed within the interior region, the drive member mechanically
coupled with the electric motor and the power tool to transfer
power generated by the electric motor to the power tool.
[0013] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like
numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which are shown by
way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or
logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of
embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0014] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete
actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in
understanding the disclosed embodiments. However, the order of
description should not be construed as to imply that these
operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these
operations may not be performed in the order of presentation.
Operations described may be performed in a different order than the
described embodiment. Various additional operations may be
performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional
embodiments.
[0015] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A
and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the
present disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and/or C" means (A), (B),
(C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).
[0016] The description uses the phrases "in an embodiment," or "in
embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or
different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising,"
"including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to
embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.
[0017] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such
as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are
merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to
restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.
[0018] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their
derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms
are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular
embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more
elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each
other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct
physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean
that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each
other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
[0019] With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms
herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for
sake of clarity.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pole-attached power
tool system 100, in accordance with various embodiments. The system
100 may include a motor/handle arrangement 102, a pole 110 and a
power tool 114.
[0021] The pole 110 may have a first end 110a, a second end 110b,
and an interior region 110c. In some embodiments, the pole 110 may
be hollow and shaped substantially as a cylinder, although other
cross-sectional shapes may be used, such as oval, square,
rectangular, etc. The pole 110 may be formed from any of a number
of materials, to achieve a desired weight and strength. Examples of
materials that may be used for the pole 110 include aluminum,
fiberglass, other metals, or any combination of materials. In some
embodiments, the pole 110 may have a length of at least 2 feet. In
preferred embodiments, the pole 110 may have a length of at least
3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 13 feet. In some embodiments, the pole 110 may be
reversibly extendable. For example, the pole 110 may telescope. In
embodiments in which the pole 110 is reversibly extendable, the
above values for the length of the pole 110 may be applied to any
extended or retracted state of the pole 110. The pole 110 need not
be formed from a single member, but may include multiple members
(e.g., multiple members in a telescoping configuration).
[0022] The motor/handle arrangement 102 may be disposed proximate
to the first end 110a of the pole 110. The motor/handle arrangement
102 may include a handle 104, an electric motor 106, a gear box
108, a battery 122, and a switch 116.
[0023] The handle 104 may be configured and positioned to be
gripped by a user while the system 100 is in use. Although the
handle 104 is described in the singular, the system 100 may include
two or more handles in various embodiments. The handle 104 may be
shaped in any manner suitable for gripping by a user. In some
embodiments, the handle 104 may include a harness or shoulder
strap. In some embodiments, the handle 104 may include multiple
regions configured to be gripped by a user. The handle 104 may be
formed from any of a number of materials, such as plastics,
polymers, metals, or combinations of materials. In some
embodiments, the handle 104 may be injection molded. In some
embodiments, the handle 104 may be formed in a handle housing (not
shown), which may include an interior region in which one or more
components may be disposed. A handle housing may include one or
more regions which may serve as the handle 104; these regions may
be dimensioned to be gripped by a user, and may include additional
material to improve a user's grip (such as a rubber or synthetic
material provided with ridges or finger rests).
[0024] The motor/handle arrangement 102 may include an electric
motor 106. In some embodiments, the electric motor 106 may be a DC
motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor 106 may be an AC
motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor 106 may be disposed
in the interior region of the handle housing. Electric motors (such
as the electric motor 106) may have a number of advantages over gas
engines (typically used in many power tool applications). For
example, gas engines require the user to provide liquid fuel (e.g.,
gasoline), which may be difficult to store and transport to remote
locations. Gas engines are often louder than electric motors, and
generate exhaust and other fumes. Gas engines are also typically
heavier than electric motors, making it more difficult for a user
to carefully control a gas-based tool and causing additional
fatigue. However, when compared to electric motors of the same
volume, gas engines typically provide more power. Thus, many
existing pole-attached tool systems have utilized gas engines
instead of electric motors to achieve greater power.
[0025] In the system 100, the electric motor 106 may be disposed
proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110. This positioning
of the electric motor 106 represents a divergence from existing
approaches to the design of electric pole-attached tool systems.
Because such electric motor configurations typically provide less
power than their fuel-based counterparts (as discussed above),
existing electric pole-attached tool systems have been designed to
maximize the efficiency of power transfer between the electric
motor and the power tool. To this end, existing electric
pole-attached tool systems have positioned the electric motor close
to the power tool to minimize losses due to additional length and
complexity of the drivetrain between the electric motor and the
power tool. Consequently, existing systems position the electric
motor far away from the handle 104 and the user. Moreover, because
the electric motor is typically positioned far away from the user
of an electric pole-attached tool system, designers have
traditionally attempted to minimize the weight of the electric
motor to reduce the torque experienced by the user and make the
system easier to control. The result of this traditional approach
has been electric pole-attached tool systems with relatively small
electric motors positioned close to the power tool at the "far" end
of the pole. This traditional approach has been reinforced by the
use of electric string trimmer platforms (in which the electric
motor is located close to the trimming string) as the basis for the
development of pole-attached power tools.
[0026] The alternative approach disclosed herein represents a
rejection of the traditional model, and a reconsideration and
balancing of design factors in a novel way. For example, although
more powerful electric motors typically weigh more than less
powerful motors (and in cordless variants, require heavier and more
powerful batteries), the additional weight of such a motor may not
be problematic for a user if the weight is positioned in the
pole-attached tool system in a suitable location. Indeed, not only
may additional weight not be problematic, it may advantageously
improve a user's ability to control the system if the weight
contributes to the balance and stability of the system. Moreover,
it may be less important to maximize drivetrain efficiency when a
more powerful electric motor is used because drivetrain losses may
have a relatively smaller impact on overall performance.
[0027] Thus, in various embodiments of the electric pole-attached
tool system 100, the electric motor 106 (and/or its accompanying
battery) may be larger and heavier than those used in existing
electric pole-attached tool systems, and may include a lossier
drivetrain, while improving both power tool performance and
handleability. In particular, as discussed below with reference to
FIG. 5, the center of gravity of the system 100 may be closer to
the handle 104 than in existing electric pole-attached tool
systems, which may make it easier for the user to carry and control
the system 100 than existing systems. In some embodiments, a more
powerful electric motor may be used as the electric motor 106 than
was previously achievable, which may allow the system 100 to
achieve better power performance than existing electric
pole-attached tool systems (and approaching, comparable to, or
exceeding the power performance of gas-powered pole-attached tool
systems). In some embodiments, the system 100 may weigh between 10
and 20 pounds. In preferred embodiments, the system 100 may weigh
between 10 and 15 pounds. Longer and more complex drivetrains may
also be used. Additionally, positioning the electric motor 106
proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110 allows the system
100 to achieve a smaller form factor at the end of the system 100
closest to the power tool 114. This may make it easier for users to
negotiate the system 100 in tight spaces (e.g., between tree
branches), and for the user to be able to clearly see and position
the power tool 114.
[0028] The motor/handle arrangement 102 may include a battery 122,
which may be electrically coupled to the electric motor 106. The
battery 122 may be a rechargeable battery, and may be removably
coupled with a charger (not shown) to recharge. In some
embodiments, the battery 122 may be a Lithium ion battery or a
NiCad battery. The voltage provided by the battery 122 may be any
suitable voltage (e.g., 20 volts). The amperage provided by the
battery 122 may be any suitable amperage (e.g., 4 ampere-hours). In
some embodiments, the battery 122 may provide at least 20
ampere-hours of power at 40 volts.
[0029] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include an
electrical cable (not shown) to couple the electric motor 106 to an
energy source, such as an AC wall outlet (instead of or in addition
to the battery 122). The length of the cable may vary depending on
the environment in which the system 100 is to be used; in some
embodiments, the cable may have a length of 100 feet or more.
[0030] In some embodiments, because the power tool 114 may be
driven by the electric motor 106, the system 100 may not include a
liquid fuel tank and/or an engine that operates on liquid fuel
(such as a gas motor).
[0031] The motor/handle arrangement 102 may include a switch 116.
The switch 116 may be electrically coupled to the electric motor
106, and may be disposed proximate to the electric motor 106. The
switch 116 may be operable by a user of the system 100 to control
actuation of the power tool 114. In some embodiments, the switch
116 may include one or more controls operable by a user. For
example, the switch 116 may include a ready/off switch, a trigger
operable to commence actuation of the power tool 114, and/or one or
more dials to adjust performance characteristics of the system
100.
[0032] The motor/handle arrangement 102 may include a gear box 108.
The gear box 108 may include one or more cams, gears, or shafts
mechanically coupled to the electric motor 106 and to the power
tool 114 to convert the motor power into actuation of the power
tool 114. In some embodiments, the motor/handle arrangement 102 may
not include the gear box 108; instead, the gear box 108 may be
disposed in a different location (e.g., proximate to the second end
110b of the pole 110) or not included in the system 100. In
alternative embodiments, a gear box 108 may be replaced by a direct
drive flexible cable, or other such arrangement.
[0033] As noted above, the pole 110 may have an interior region
110c. A drive member 112 may be disposed within the interior region
110c. The drive member 112 may be mechanically coupled with the
electric motor 106 and the power tool 114 to transfer power
generated by the electric motor 106 to the power tool 114 to
actuate the power tool 114. In some embodiments, the drive member
112 may include a chain drive. In some embodiments, the drive
member 112 may include a belt drive. In some embodiments, the drive
member may have a length greater than 20 inches. In some
embodiments, the drive member may have a length greater than 40
inches. In some embodiments, the drive member 112 may include any
suitable drive technology employed in existing gas or electric
pole-attached tool systems. As the length and complexity of drive
member 112 increases, a battery 122 with greater power may be
desirable.
[0034] The power tool 114 may be disposed proximate to the second
end 110b of the pole 110. The power tool 114 may include any
suitable power tool. In some embodiments, the power tool 114 may
include a saw. The saw may be a chain saw, which may include a bar
and a chain with teeth (e.g., a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch chain). The
cutting dimensions of the saw may be 6 inches, 8, inches, 10
inches, 12 inches, or 14 inches, for example. In other examples,
the power tool 114 may be a hedge trimmer, shaker, clipper, a
rotating brush (e.g., to clean or remove moss or other debris), a
drilling device, a pruner, a vibrating scraper, or other such
tool.
[0035] FIGS. 2-4 are schematic illustrations of various embodiments
of the pole-attached power tool system 100 of FIG. 1. The
pole-attached power tool systems depicted in FIGS. 2-4 may include
any of the components discussed above with reference to the system
100 (FIG. 1). For ease of illustration, only a small number of such
components are shown in FIGS. 2-4.
[0036] In FIG. 2, the pole-attached power tool system 200 may
include the handle 104, the electric motor 106, and the gear box
108, each disposed proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110.
The power tool 114 may be disposed proximate to the second end 110b
of the pole 110. As shown, the electric motor 106 may be disposed
between the handle 104 and the gear box 108. The gear box 108 may
be disposed closest to the power tool 114 of any of the handle 104,
the gear box 108, and the electric motor 106. In some embodiments,
the gear box 108 may not be included.
[0037] In FIG. 3, the pole-attached power tool system 300 may
include the handle 104, the electric motor 106, and the gear box
108, each disposed proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110.
The power tool 114 may be disposed proximate to the second end 110b
of the pole 110. As shown, the electric motor 106 and the gear box
108 may be disposed in an interior region 132a of a handle housing
132. In some embodiments, the gear box 108 may not be included.
[0038] In FIG. 4, the pole-attached power tool system 400 may
include the handle 104, the electric motor 106, and the gear box
108, each disposed proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110.
The power tool 114 may be disposed proximate to the second end 110b
of the pole 110. As shown, the electric motor 106 may be disposed
in the interior region 132a of the handle housing 132. The gear box
108 may be disposed between the handle 104 and the power tool 114.
In some embodiments, the gear box 108 may not be included.
[0039] FIG. 5 depicts illustrative dimensions and center of gravity
of an embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system 100 (FIG.
1). In FIG. 5, the system 100 may include the handle 104, the
electric motor 106, and the gear box 108, each disposed proximate
to the first end 110a of the pole 110. The power tool 114 may be
disposed proximate to the second end 110b of the pole 110.
[0040] The center of gravity of the system 100, which generally
represents the location in a particular direction of the average
position of the weight or mass of the system 100, is represented by
the arrow 506. In general, the center of gravity of the system 100
in the direction of the longitudinal axis 130, cg, may be
calculated in accordance with:
cg = .intg. x .rho. ( x ) x .intg. .rho. ( x ) x , ( 1 )
##EQU00001##
where p(x) represents the density of the system 100 as a function
of the position x along the longitudinal axis 130. As shown, in
some embodiments, the center of gravity 506 may be located between
the electric motor 106 and the power tool 114. In some embodiments,
the center of gravity 506 may be located between the gear box 108
and the power tool 114. In some embodiments, both the electric
motor 106 and the gear box 108 may be located on one side of the
center of gravity 506 (along the longitudinal axis 130) and the
power tool 114 may be located on the other side of the center of
gravity 506.
[0041] The system 100 may have a first end 100a proximate to the
first end 110a of the pole 110, and a second end 100b proximate to
the second end 110b of the pole 110. The system 100 may have a
longitudinal length 502 measured between the first end 100a and the
second end 100b parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 of the pole
110. The center of gravity 506 may be located a distance 508 from
the first end 100a of the system 100, and a distance 510 from the
second end 100b of the system 100.
[0042] In some embodiments, the center of gravity 506 may be
located less than approximately 1/2 of the longitudinal length 502
from the first end 100a; in other words, the ratio between the
distance 508 and the longitudinal length 502 may be less than
approximately 1/2. In preferred embodiments, the center of gravity
may be located less than approximately , 3/10, 7/20, or 13/40 of
the longitudinal length 502 from the first end 100a.
[0043] The system 100 may have a dimension 504, measured between an
end 1146a of the power tool 114 closest to the first end 110a of
the pole 110 and an end 106a of the electric motor 106 closest to
the second end 110b of the pole 110. In some embodiments, the
dimension 504 may be greater than approximately 12 inches. In
preferred embodiments, the dimension 504 may be greater than
approximately 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 inches. In embodiments in which
the pole 110 is reversibly extendable, the dimension 504 may change
as the pole 110 is extended and retracted. In such embodiments, the
above values for the dimension 504 may be applied to any extended
or retracted state of the pole 110 (e.g., the configurations
depicted in FIGS. 7-8 and discussed below).
[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
pole-attached power tool system 100 of FIG. 1. The pole-attached
power tool system depicted in FIG. 6 may include any of the
components discussed above with reference to the system 100 (FIG.
1). For ease of illustration, only a small number of such
components are shown in FIG. 6.
[0045] In FIG. 6, the pole-attached power tool system 600 may
include a first handle 104a, a second handle 104b, the electric
motor 106, and the battery 122, each disposed proximate to the
first end 110a of the pole 110. The first handle 104a may be
disposed between the battery 122 and the electric motor 106. The
second handle 104b may be disposed between the first handle 104a
and the second end 110b of the pole 110. The electric motor 106 may
be disposed between the first handle 104a and the second handle
104b. The power tool 114 may be disposed proximate to the second
end 110b of the pole 110. The drive member 112 may extend between
the electric motor 106 and the power tool 114.
[0046] As discussed above, the length of the pole 110 may be
reversibly extendable. In particular, the pole may be adjustable
between multiple configurations corresponding to different lengths
of the pole. This adjustment may be continuous, discrete, or a
combination of both. In some embodiments, the length of the drive
member between the electric motor 106 and the power tool 114 in at
least one configuration may be greater than 20 inches. In some
embodiments, the length of the drive member between the electric
motor 106 and the power tool 114 in at least one configuration may
be greater than 40 inches.
[0047] FIGS. 7-8 depict illustrative dimensions and centers of
gravity of an embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system 100
(e.g., the embodiment discussed above with reference to FIG. 6) in
various configurations. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates a
configuration in which the pole 110 is extended to a longer length,
and FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration in which the pole 110 is
retracted to a shorter length. The pole-attached power tool system
100 may be adjustable between the configurations shown in FIGS. 7
and 8 (and between any of a number of other configurations in
various embodiments).
[0048] In FIG. 7, the system 100 may include the handles 104a and
104b, the electric motor 106, and the battery 122, each disposed
proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110. The power tool 114
may be disposed proximate to the second end 110b of the pole
110.
[0049] The center of gravity of the system 100 is represented by
the arrow 706 and may be calculated in accordance with Eq. 1,
above. As shown, in some embodiments, the center of gravity 706 may
be located between a mid-point of the second handle 104b (the
mid-point indicated by the dotted line 124) and the second end 110a
of the pole 110. In some embodiments, the center of gravity 706 may
be located within a distance 708 of six inches of either side of
the mid-point of the second handle 104b (as measured in the
direction of the longitudinal axis 130 of the pole 110). In some
embodiments, the center of gravity 706 may be located within a
distance 708 of three inches of either side of the mid-point of the
second handle 104b. In some embodiments, the center of gravity 706
may be located within a distance 708 of two inches of either side
of the mid-point of the second handle 104b.
[0050] In FIG. 8, the system 100 may include the handles 104a and
104b, the electric motor 106, and the battery 122, each disposed
proximate to the first end 110a of the pole 110. The power tool 114
may be disposed proximate to the second end 110b of the pole 110.
The center of gravity of the system 100 is represented by the arrow
806 and may be calculated in accordance with Eq. 1, above. As
shown, in some embodiments, the center of gravity 806 may be
located between the first handle 104a and a mid-point of the second
handle 104b (the mid-point indicated by the dotted line 124). In
some embodiments, the center of gravity 806 may be located within a
distance 808 of six inches of either side of the mid-point of the
second handle 104b (as measured in the direction of the
longitudinal axis 130 of the pole 110). In some embodiments, the
center of gravity 806 may be located within a distance 808 of three
inches of either side of the mid-point of the second handle 104b.
In some embodiments, the center of gravity 806 may be located
within a distance 808 of two inches of either side of the mid-point
of the second handle 104b.
[0051] Because the system 100 may adjusted between the
configurations illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the user may adjust
the center of gravity of the system 100 to accommodate his or her
handling preferences. In particular, when the center of gravity of
the system 100 is located between the handles 104a and 104b (e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 8), the user will generally apply an "upward"
force on each of the handles 104a and 104b to balance the system
100. When the center of gravity of the system 100 is located
between the handle 104b and the second end 110b of the pole 110
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), the user will generally apply an
"upward" force on the handle 104b and a "downward" force on the
handle 104a to balance the system 100. Users may wish to push
"upward" or "downward" on the handle 104a (e.g., in different
applications), and thus may wish to adjust the center of gravity of
the system 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the components
of the system 100, instead of or in addition to the pole 110, may
be adjustable to vary the center of gravity of the system 100 to
suit a user's preferences and the application at hand. For example,
the battery 122 may be mounted in a housing that is adjustably
coupled to a handle housing (not shown) and can be moved along the
longitudinal axis 130 (e.g., using a threaded track, not shown) to
adjust the center of gravity of the system 100.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion 900 of
an embodiment of the pole-attached power tool system 100 (FIG. 1).
The portion 900 illustrates an embodiment of the relative positions
of a first handle 104a, a second handle 104b, a handle housing 132,
the electric motor 106, the gear box 108, and the battery 122. FIG.
6 also illustrates the switch 116, which may be operable by a user
to control actuation of a power tool (not shown) disposed at the
end of the pole 110. Electrical connectors 618 (e.g., one or more
cables) may couple the switch 116, the electric motor 106 and the
battery 122. A drive member 112 may be coupled between the electric
motor 106 (e.g., via the gear box 108) and the power tool (not
shown).
[0053] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 1000 for
manufacturing a pole-attached power tool system (e.g., the system
100 of FIG. 1), in accordance with some embodiments. It may be
recognized that, while the operations of the process 1000 (and all
other processes disclosed herein) may be arranged in a particular
order and illustrated once each, in various embodiments, one or
more of the operations may be repeated, omitted or performed out of
order. Any of the operations of the process 1000 may be performed
in accordance with any of the embodiments of the system 100
described herein.
[0054] The process 1000 may begin at the operation 1002, in which a
pole may be provided (e.g., the pole 110 of FIG. 1). The pole may
have a first end, a second end, and an interior region.
[0055] At the operation 1004, a handle (e.g., the handle 104 of
FIG. 1) may be provided proximate to the first end of the pole.
[0056] At the operation 1006, an electric motor (e.g., the electric
motor 106 of FIG. 1) may be provided proximate to the first end of
the pole.
[0057] At the operation 1008, a power tool (e.g., the power tool
114 of FIG. 1) may be provided proximate to the second end of the
pole.
[0058] At the operation 1010, a drive member (e.g., the drive
member 112 of FIG. 1) may be provided within the interior region.
The drive member provided at the operation 1010 may be mechanically
coupled with the electric motor (provided at the operation 1006)
and the power tool (provided at the operation 1008) to transfer
power generated by the electric motor to the power tool.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 1100 for
manufacturing a pole-attached power tool system (e.g., the system
100 of FIG. 1), in accordance with some embodiments. Any of the
operations of the process 1100 may be performed in accordance with
any of the embodiments of the system 100 described herein.
[0060] The process 1000 may begin at the operation 1102, in which a
pole may be provided (e.g., the pole 110 of FIG. 6). The pole may
have a first end, a second end, and an interior region.
[0061] At the operation 1104, a first handle (e.g., the handle 104a
of FIG. 6) and a second handle (e.g., the handle 104b of FIG. 6)
may be provided proximate to the first end of the pole. The second
handle may be provided between the first handle and the second end
of the pole.
[0062] At the operation 1106, an electric motor (e.g., the electric
motor 106 of FIG. 6) may be provided between the first and second
handles.
[0063] At the operation 1108, a power tool (e.g., the power tool
114 of FIG. 6) may be provided proximate to the second end of the
pole.
[0064] At the operation 1110, a drive member (e.g., the drive
member 112 of FIG. 6) may be provided within the interior region.
The drive member provided at the operation 1110 may be mechanically
coupled with the electric motor (provided at the operation 1106)
and the power tool (provided at the operation 1108) to transfer
power generated by the electric motor to the power tool.
[0065] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same
purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described
without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will
readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very
wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
* * * * *