U.S. patent application number 15/992688 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for guide foot for an oscillating power tool.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. Invention is credited to Saad Alam, Walter M. Bernardi, Dale S. Dilulio, Scott H. Micoley, Balazs Nagy, Jeremy Rubens, Daniel Shadegg, Jaime Moreno Terrazas.
Application Number | 20180272517 15/992688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53006153 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180272517 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernardi; Walter M. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
Guide Foot for an Oscillating Power Tool
Abstract
A guide member for an oscillating power tool includes an
attachment portion configured to be removably attached to a housing
of the power tool and a guide portion that extends from the
attachment portion. The guide portion includes a leading edge, a
trailing edge, and a guide surface. When the attachment portion is
attached to the housing of the power tool, the guide portion is
configured to extend beyond the housing in a first direction to
position the leading edge portion a predetermined distance apart
from the oscillation axis, the predetermined distance being greater
than a distance that an accessory tool attached to the power tool
extends.
Inventors: |
Bernardi; Walter M.;
(Highland Park, IL) ; Shadegg; Daniel; (Buffalo
Grove, IL) ; Dilulio; Dale S.; (Saukville, WI)
; Micoley; Scott H.; (Cedarburg, WI) ; Alam;
Saad; (Franklin Park, IL) ; Nagy; Balazs;
(Schaumburg, IL) ; Terrazas; Jaime Moreno;
(Imperial, CA) ; Rubens; Jeremy; (Palatine,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
Robert Bosch GmbH |
Broadview
Stuttgart |
IL |
US
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
53006153 |
Appl. No.: |
15/992688 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14518339 |
Oct 20, 2014 |
10011009 |
|
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15992688 |
|
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61898649 |
Nov 1, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23D 51/10 20130101;
A61F 15/02 20130101; B27B 19/006 20130101; B24B 23/02 20130101;
B24B 55/055 20130101; B26B 7/00 20130101; B24B 55/052 20130101;
B26B 29/00 20130101; B24B 23/04 20130101; B25F 5/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B25F 5/02 20060101
B25F005/02; B26B 7/00 20060101 B26B007/00; B26B 29/00 20060101
B26B029/00; B24B 23/04 20060101 B24B023/04 |
Claims
1. A power tool comprising: a housing including a nose portion; a
motor supported within the housing; an oscillating drive assembly
coupled to the motor and configured to be driven to oscillate by
the motor; a tool holder secured to the oscillating drive assembly
and configured to removably retain an accessory tool so that the
accessory tool is oscillated about an oscillation axis by the
oscillating drive assembly, the tool holder being located exterior
to the nose portion of the housing, the accessory tool including an
outer edge portion and being configured to extend beyond the nose
portion of the housing in at least a first direction that is
perpendicular to the oscillation axis to position the outer edge
portion a first distance from the oscillation axis; and a guide
member attached to the housing, the guide member including a
leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and a guide surface
that extends between the leading edge portion and the trailing edge
portion; wherein the guide member is configured to extend beyond
the nose portion of the housing in the first direction to position
the leading edge portion a second distance apart from the
oscillation axis.
2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the guide surface is
configured to be placed in contact with a surface of a workpiece,
the guide surface defining a guide plane that is substantially
parallel to the oscillation axis.
3. The power tool of claim 2, wherein the guide member is removably
attached to the housing.
4. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the guide member is
configured to have a snap fit engagement with the housing.
5. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the guide member includes a
collar portion that is pivotably attached to the nose portion of
the housing for pivotal movement about the oscillation axis.
6. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the guide member includes a
housing attachment portion and a guide portion, the housing
attachment portion being pivotably attached to the guide portion
and being configured to be removably attached to the housing, the
guide portion including the leading edge portion, the trailing edge
portion, and the guide surface, wherein the housing attachment
portion is configured to pivot between a first position and a
second position in relation to the guide portion, wherein, in the
first position, the oscillation axis is a first distance from the
guide plane, and wherein, in the second position, the oscillation
axis is a second distance from the guide plane.
7. The power tool of claim 6, wherein the housing attachment
portion is pivotably attached to the guide portion proximate the
leading edge portion.
8. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the guide member is
configured to be removably attached at a first position on a first
lateral side of the nose portion of the housing and at a second
position on second lateral side of the nose portion that is
opposite from the first lateral side, wherein the guide surface
faces away from the housing when the guide member is attached at
both the first position and the second position, and wherein the
guide plane is parallel to the oscillation axis when the guide
member is attached at both the first position and the second
position.
9. A power tool comprising: a housing including a nose portion; a
motor supported within the housing; an oscillating drive assembly
coupled to the motor and configured to be driven to oscillate by
the motor; a tool holder secured to the oscillating drive assembly
and configured to removably retain an accessory tool so that the
accessory tool is oscillated about an oscillation axis by the
oscillating drive assembly, the tool holder being located exterior
to the nose portion of the housing, the accessory tool including an
outer edge portion and being configured to extend beyond the nose
portion of the housing in at least a first direction that is
perpendicular to the oscillation axis to position the outer edge
portion a first distance from the oscillation axis; and a guide
member attached to the housing, the guide member including a
leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and a guide surface
that extends between the leading edge portion and the trailing edge
portion, wherein the guide member is configured to extend beyond
the nose portion of the housing in the first direction to position
the leading edge portion a second distance apart from the
oscillation axis, wherein the accessory tool defines an oscillation
plane in which a working portion of the accessory tool is
configured to oscillate, the oscillation plane being perpendicular
to the oscillation axis, wherein the guide member defines a cutout
portion between the leading and trailing edge portions that is
configured to allow at least a portion of the accessory tool to
extend therethrough when the accessory tool is retained by the tool
holder, wherein the oscillation plane and at least one of the
leading and trailing edge portions of the guide member is
intersected by the oscillation plane.
10. The power tool of claim 9, wherein the guide member includes a
movable portion, the movable portion including the leading edge
portion and at least a portion of the guide surface, wherein the
movable portion is configured to move between a first position and
a second position in relation to the housing, and wherein the
leading edge portion of the guide member is located at a first
position in relation to the nose portion of the housing in the
first position and located at a second position in relation to the
nose portion of the housing in the second position.
11. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the movable portion is
configured to pivot with respect to the nose portion of the housing
between the first position and the second position.
12. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the movable portion is
configured to translate with respect to the nose portion of the
housing between the first position and the second position.
13. A guide member for a power tool, the power tool including a
housing, a motor supported within the housing, an oscillating drive
assembly coupled to the motor and configured to be driven to
oscillate by the motor, and a tool holder secured to the
oscillating drive assembly and configured to removably retain an
accessory tool, the guide member, the accessory tool including an
outer edge portion and being configured to extend beyond the nose
portion of the housing in at least a first direction that is
perpendicular to the oscillation axis to position the outer edge
portion a first distance from the oscillation axis, the guide
member comprising: an attachment portion configured to be removably
attached to the housing of the power tool; a guide portion that
extends from the attachment portion, the guide portion including a
leading edge, a trailing edge, and a guide surface, wherein, when
the attachment portion is attached to the housing of the power
tool, the guide portion is configured to extend beyond the housing
in the first direction to position the leading edge portion a
second distance apart from the oscillation axis.
14. The guide member of claim 13, wherein the guide surface is
configured to be placed in contact with a surface of a workpiece,
the guide surface defining a guide plane that is substantially
parallel to the oscillation axis.
15. The guide member of claim 13, wherein the guide portion is
movably attached to the housing attachment portion, and wherein the
guide portion is configured to move between a first position and a
second position in relation to the attachment portion.
16. The guide member of claim 13, wherein the attachment portion is
pivotably attached to the guide portion.
17. The guide member of claim 13, wherein the oscillation axis is
spaced a third distance apart from the guide plane when the guide
portion is at the first position, and wherein the oscillation axis
is spaced a fourth distance apart from the guide plane when the
guide portion is at the second position, the fourth distance being
different than the third distance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/898,649 entitled "GUIDE FOOT FOR AN
OSCILLATING POWER TOOL" by Bernardi et al., filed Nov. 1, 2013, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. This application is also a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/518,339 entitled "GUIDE FOOT FOR AN
OSCILLATING POWER TOOL" by Bernardi et al., filed Oct. 20, 2014,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of oscillating power
tools, and more particularly to attachments for use with
oscillating power tools.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In general, oscillating tools are light-weight, handheld
power tools capable of being equipped with a variety of tool
accessories and attachments, such as cutting blades, sanding discs,
grinding tools, and many others. These types of tools typically
include a generally cylindrically-shaped main body that serves as
an enclosure for an electric motor as well as a hand grip for the
tool. The electric motor oscillates a tool holder to which any one
of various accessory tools may be attached. As the tool holder is
oscillated, an accessory tool attached to the tool holder is driven
to perform a particular function, such as sanding, grinding, or
cutting, depending on the configuration of the accessory tool.
[0004] Accessory tools for an oscillating power tool typically have
one-piece rigid construction that includes a mounting portion that
is used to secure the accessory tool to the tool holder and a tool
body extending from the mounting portion that supports a working
portion of the accessory tool, such as an abrasive surface or sharp
edge. The tool holder of most oscillating power tools includes a
tool drive structure that facilitates a secure and rigid connection
between the tool holder and the mounting portion of one or more
accessory tools. The accessory tools for use with a power tool are
provided with an accessory drive structure configured to interlock
with the tool drive structure of the corresponding tool holder. The
interlocked drive structures enable the accessory tool to be moved
with the tool holder while preventing slippage and other relative
movement of the accessory tool with respect to the tool holder as
the tool holder is oscillated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1a-1e depict a first embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0006] FIGS. 2a-2e depict a second embodiment of a guide foot for
an oscillating power tool.
[0007] FIGS. 3a-3c depict a third embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0008] FIG. 4a-4g depict a fourth embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0009] FIG. 5a-5g depict a fifth embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0010] FIGS. 6a-6c depict a sixth embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0011] FIGS. 7a-7e depict a seventh embodiment of a guide foot for
an oscillating power tool
[0012] FIGS. 8a-8c depict an eighth embodiment of a guide foot for
an oscillating power tool.
[0013] FIGS. 9a-9c depict a ninth embodiment of a guide foot for an
oscillating power tool.
[0014] FIGS. 10a-10b depict a tenth embodiment of a guide foot for
an oscillating power tool.
DESCRIPTION
[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the
following written specification. It is understood that no
limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It
is further understood that the disclosure includes any alterations
and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes
further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would
normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure pertains.
[0016] The disclosure is directed to guide shoes for oscillating
power tools that can be attached to or integrated onto oscillating
power tools and that enable various advantages over previously
known oscillating tools. For example, the guide shoes disclosed
herein add stability and accuracy to an oscillating tool especially
when making long straight cuts in targets, such as wood, concrete,
stone, pipe, tile, glass, composite materials, metal, or the like.
The guide shoes can make it easier to follow straight line
indicators, such as marked lines, laser lines, and the like, when
making cuts. The guide shoes can also improve the control of the
depth of cut. The improved stability and control will also allow a
user to make faster cuts so work projects can be performed in less
time.
[0017] According to one embodiment, a power tool is provided that
includes a housing having a nose portion, a motor supported within
the housing, and an oscillating drive assembly coupled to the motor
and configured to be driven to oscillate by the motor. A tool
holder is secured to the oscillating drive assembly and located
exterior to the housing. The tool holder is configured to removably
retain an accessory tool so that the accessory tool is oscillated
about an oscillation axis by the oscillating drive assembly. The
accessory tool includes an outer edge portion and is configured to
extend beyond the nose portion of the housing in at least a first
direction that is perpendicular to the oscillation axis to position
the outer edge portion a first distance from the oscillation
axis.
[0018] A guide member is attached to the housing. The guide member
includes a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and a
guide surface that extends between the leading edge portion and the
trailing edge portion. The guide member is configured to extend
beyond the nose portion of the housing in the first direction to
position the leading edge portion a second distance apart from the
oscillation axis that is greater than the first distance. The guide
surface is configured to be placed in contact with a surface of a
workpiece and defines a guide plane that is substantially parallel
to the oscillation axis.
[0019] In various embodiments, the guide member is removably
attached to the housing. The guide member may have a snap fit,
press fit, or other type of non-fastener type attachment mechanism
for removably attaching to the housing of the power tool. The guide
member may also extend in a second direction that is opposite the
first direction to position the trailing edge a third distance
apart from the oscillation axis that is greater than the first
distance.
[0020] The accessory tool defines an oscillation plane in which a
working portion of the accessory tool is configured to oscillate,
the oscillation plane being perpendicular to the oscillation axis.
In one embodiment, the guide member defines a cutout portion
between the leading and trailing edge portions that is configured
to allow at least a portion of the accessory tool to extend
therethrough when the accessory tool is retained by the tool
holder. In this embodiment, the oscillation plane and at least one
of the leading and trailing edge portions of the guide member is
intersected by the oscillation plane.
[0021] The guide member may include a movable portion that includes
the leading edge portion and at least a portion of the guide
surface. The movable portion is configured to move between a first
position and a second position in relation to the housing. In one
embodiment, the leading edge portion of the guide member is located
at a first position in relation to the nose portion of the housing
when the movable portion is in the first position and located at a
second position in relation to the nose portion of the housing when
the movable portion is in the second position.
[0022] The movable portion may be configured to pivot with respect
to the nose portion of the housing between the first position and
the second position. Alternatively, the movable portion may be
configured to translate with respect to the nose portion of the
housing between the first position and the second position.
[0023] In one embodiment, the guide member is configured to be
attached at a first position on a first lateral side of the nose
portion of the housing and at a second position on second lateral
side of the nose portion that is opposite from the first lateral
side. The guide surface faces away from the housing when the guide
member is attached at both the first position and the second
position, and the guide plane is parallel to the oscillation axis
when the guide member is attached at both the first position and
the second position. This allows versatility in the orienting the
tool during use as situations may require.
[0024] In another embodiment, the guide member includes a collar
portion that is configured to be rotatably attached to the nose
portion of the housing. The collar portion is configured to be
selectively rotated with respect to the nose portion about the
oscillation axis to a plurality of angular positions with respect
to the oscillation axis. In this embodiment, the guide member
includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the collar
portion at any one of the plurality of angular positions. The
locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded button, or similar
type of structure, that is configured to move a key on the collar
into and out of engagement with recesses in the nose portion of the
housing that define the plurality of angular positions.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the guide member includes a
housing attachment portion and a guide portion. The housing
attachment portion is configured to be removably attached to the
housing and is also pivotably attached to the guide portion. The
guide portion includes the leading edge portion, the trailing edge
portion, and the guide surface. The housing attachment portion is
configured to pivot between a first position and a second position
in relation to the guide portion. In the first position, the
oscillation axis is a first distance from the guide plane, and, in
the second position, the oscillation axis is a second distance from
the guide plane. This configuration adds a plunging capability to
the oscillating tool.
[0026] A guide member, or guide foot, for an oscillating power tool
may take a variety of forms. A first embodiment of a guide foot for
an oscillating power tool is depicted in FIGS. 1a-1e. The
oscillating tool 10 includes a generally cylindrically shaped
housing 14 constructed of a rigid material such as plastic, metal,
or composite materials such as a fiber reinforced polymer. The
housing 14 includes a nose portion 18 and a main body portion 20.
The main body portion 20 serves as the handle for the tool 10 and
encloses a motor (not shown). In one embodiment, the motor
comprises an electric motor configured to receive power via a power
cord (not shown) or a rechargeable battery (not shown). In other
embodiments, electric power to the motor may be received from an AC
outlet via the power cord. As an alternative to electric power, the
tool may be pneumatically driven, fuel powered, such as gas or
diesel, or hydraulically powered. Power to the motor is controlled
by an input device (not visible) provided either on the main body
portion 20 of the housing 14 or the nose portion 18. The input
device can be a power switch, a touch switch, a joystick switch, a
sensing switch, a pressure switch, a touch screen, a gesture
screen, or the like.
[0027] The motor is coupled to an oscillating drive assembly 22
that extends from the nose portion 18 of the housing 14. The
oscillating drive assembly 22 supports an accessory tool holder 24
exterior to the nose portion 18 of the housing 14. The tool holder
24 is configured to releasably secure various accessory tools to
the drive, such as the cutting blade accessory tool 26. As the tool
holder 24 is oscillated by the drive 22, the accessory tool 26 is
driven to oscillate about an oscillation axis 0.
[0028] The oscillating tool 10 is provided with a guide foot 30
that is attached to and/or integrated into the nose portion 18 of
the housing. As discussed below, the guide foot may be provided in
a variety of configurations. Each guide foot 30 has a guide surface
36 that defines a guide plane G (FIG. 1d) and is configured to be
placed in contact with a surface of a workpiece that is being cut
and to slide smoothly across the surface of the workpiece when
making cuts while maintaining the cutting blade of the tool at a
fixed orientation relative to the workpiece.
[0029] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1e, the guide foot 30 is
provided as an attachment that is configured to be removably
attached to the nose portion 18 of the oscillating tool housing in
a stationary, non-rotating position relative to the nose and the
blade of the tool. The guide foot 30 includes a foot portion 32 and
an attachment portion 34. A guide surface 36 is on one side of the
foot portion 32 and the attachment portion 34 is provided on the
other side of the foot portion. The foot portion 32 is generally
planar with a leading edge 38, a trailing edge 40, an inner lateral
edge 42, and an outer lateral edge 44. The leading and trailing
edges 38, 40 are arranged generally perpendicular to the plane of
the cutting blade and the lateral edges 42, 44 are arranged
generally parallel to the plane of the blade 26.
[0030] The attachment portion 34 is configured to removably secure
the guide foot to the nose portion 18 of the tool with the leading
edge 38 of the guide foot positioned in front of the cutting edge
46 of the blade. As can be seen in FIG. 1c and 1d, the blade 26 is
configured to extend a distance D from the oscillation axis O in at
least one direction that is perpendicular to the oscillation axis
O. The guide portion 32 is configured to extend in the forward
direction to position the leading edge 38 a distance F from the
oscillation axis with the distance F being greater than the
distance D. This allows the tool to be positioned and supported in
its proper cutting orientation before the blade engages the
workpiece to start the cut. The leading edge of the guide portion
is positioned in front of the leading edge of the blade in each of
the embodiments described below except for the embodiment depicted
in FIGS. 3a-3c in which the guide is fully integrated into the
housing of the tool so that the forward extension of the guide is
limited due to design constraints.
[0031] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1e, the guide portion 32 is
also configured to extend rearwardly to position the trailing edge
40 a distance G from the oscillation axis with the distance G being
greater than D as well. The distances G and F may be the same
although not necessarily. In other embodiments, the trailing edge
need not extend rearwardly beyond the trailing edge of the
blade.
[0032] The guide foot 30 may include extensions 48 and 50 that
protrude laterally from the guide foot in front of and behind the
blade 26. In particular, the leading edge 38 includes an extension
48 that extends laterally from the foot portion in front of the
cutting edge 46 of the blade 26, and a trailing edge extension 50
that extends laterally from the foot portion behind the cutting
edge of the blade. The extensions 48, 50 define a cutout region
(43, FIGS. 1b, 1c) therebetween through which the blade 26 extends
when it is attached to the tool holder. The plane B of the blade
intersects the cutout region 43 and the front and rear extensions
48, 50. The leading edge extension and trailing edge extension may
be provided with markings 49, such as lines and/or notches, that
are aligned with the plane of the blade 26 for indicating the cut
line.
[0033] The attachment portion 34 includes a front support portion
52 that is held against the nose portion 18 of the tool housing
when the guide foot 30 is attached to the tool. The nose portion 18
is pushed against the front support portion 52 as the user moves
the blade into engagement with the workpiece. Ribs 54 may be used
to strengthen the structure of the guide foot between the front
support and the foot portion of the guide foot. In another
embodiment, the nose portion 18 can be sited firmly in a pocket
(not shown) formed between the ribs 54. The pocket mated with the
contour of the nose portion. The pocket can extend into the
attached portion 34.
[0034] In one embodiment, the attachment portion 34 is configured
to have a dovetail type engagement with the nose portion 18 of the
tool housing to removably secure the guide foot to the tool. The
dovetail attachment mechanism holds the guide foot in a fixed,
non-rotating position with respect to the tool housing. Although a
dovetail type engagement is described, the actual shape of the
engagement portions need not be exactly dovetail-shaped and can be
any suitable shape that enables retention in the manner of a
dovetail type joint as is known in the art.
[0035] The attachment portion 34 of the guide includes a
dovetail-shaped rail 56 that extends upwardly from the guide foot.
The nose portion 18 of the tool housing is provided with a
complementarily-shaped dovetail slot 58 (e.g., FIG. 2e) or groove
that is configured to receive the rail 56 on the guide foot. The
rail 56 on the guide foot slides into the slot 58 in the nose 18 of
the tool from the front which is the same direction the tool will
be moved by the user during use. The rail is slid into the slot in
the nose of the housing until the nose portion reaches the front
support of the guide foot.
[0036] A catch mechanism may be incorporated into the guide foot 30
to enable the guide foot to be retained on the tool. As depicted in
FIG. 1b, the catch mechanism 60 may comprise a spring mechanism
(shown removed) having a detent structure that is configured to
engage a complementary detent structure (not shown) provided on the
nose housing 18. The catch mechanism can be pressed, for example,
to disengage the catch so the guide foot can be removed from the
nose of the tool housing.
[0037] The embodiment of the guide foot of FIGS. 1a-1e is a
removable guide foot that is configured to be attached in a fixed,
stationary position on the housing of the tool 10. FIGS. 2a-2e and
FIGS. 3a-3c depict other embodiments of a stationary guide foot.
The embodiment of the guide foot 30 of FIGS. 2a-2e the attachment
portion 34 has a snap on or press on configuration enabled by an
upper extension portion 62 that extends around the front of the
nose portion 18. The extension 62 includes detents 64 (FIG. 2b)
that are configured to have a snap fit or press fit engagement with
complementary structure 58 provided on the housing 18. As depicted
in FIG. 2c, the attachment portion 34 may include a lever mechanism
65 that is configured to move the detent structure 64 into and out
of engagement with the corresponding structure on the nose portion
18 of the housing.
[0038] The guide portion 32 of the guide member may include various
features to facilitate movement of the guide surface 36 against the
surface of a workpiece. For example, the leading edge 38 may have a
rounded contour as depicted in FIGS. 2b and 2c. As another example,
the bottom guide surface 36 may be provided with grooves 37 as
depicted in FIG. 2d to facilitate a smooth movement over the
surface of the workpiece. These features are not exclusive to the
embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2e and may be incorporated into any of the
embodiments described herein.
[0039] FIGS. 3a-3c depict another embodiment of an oscillating
power tool having a guide structure 30. In this embodiment, the
guide structure 30 is fully integrated into the nose portion 18 of
the housing. As can be seen in FIGS. 3a-3c, the integrated guide
structure 30 comprises planar glide surfaces 120 formed on one or
both sides of the housing 18. In one embodiment, the glide surfaces
120 are formed by angled walls or ridges that project from the
sides of the nose portion 18 of the housing to define a raised ramp
structure with a flat outer surface provided at a suitable angle to
facilitate placement against a surface of a workpiece. The raised
glide surfaces 120 may be provided on a single side, or on both
sides of the nose of the housing 18 as can be seen in FIG. 3c.
[0040] In one embodiment, the glide surfaces 120 are incorporated
into the clamshell housing parts that form the nose portion of the
tool. The nose portion 18 of the housing may be extended to provide
adequate surface area for supporting the tool during cutting
operations. The integrated guide structure 30 of FIGS. 3a-3c does
not require handling of an extra part. However, the leading edge of
the guide structure 18 is limited by mechanical constraints
although the limited extension facilitates the incorporation of the
glide surfaces on both sides of the housing.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4g, an embodiment of a guide foot is
depicted that is configured to be mounted at two different
orientations with respect to the housing which enable the tool to
be used with the housing oriented in either direction. In this
embodiment, the guide portion 32 of the guide member has a narrow
ski-like configuration with a flat guide surface 36 for guiding
normal cuts. The guide portion also has beveled edges that form
beveled guide surfaces 104 (FIG. 4g) that can be used for guiding
beveled cuts.
[0042] The guide member includes an attachment portion 34 that
comprises a collar 102. The collar 102 is configured to fit around
the neck portion 19 (FIG. 4c) of the tool 10 adjacent the tool
holder 24. The collar 102 defines an opening with a predetermined
peripheral shape. The neck portion 19 of the tool 10 is provided
with an outer perimeter that is shaped complementary to the
periphery of the opening to enable the collar portion 102 to be
installed by aligning the peripheral shapes of the opening and the
neck so that the neck can be inserted through the opening until the
collar portion is situated around the neck portion 19 above the
tool holder 24.
[0043] To enable the guide member to be installed onto the neck at
two different orientations, the opening in the collar 102 and the
peripheral shape of the neck 19 each have an irregular shape that
is symmetrical about the tool axis T. This enables the collar
portion 102 to be installed with the guide surface 36 facing in
either direction which in turn allows the guide to be used with
tool 10 oriented in either direction. The guide portion 32 is
attached to the collar portion 102 at an orientation that enables
the guide surface 36 to form a suitable angle for guiding cuts in
both mounting positions.
[0044] The collar portion 102 includes a locking mechanism that
enables the collar to be releasably secured onto the neck when
mounted. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a
spring-loaded projection that protrudes into the opening from the
inner wall of the collar portion 102. The projection is configured
to extend into a groove provided on the neck portion 19. To install
and remove the guide member, an actuator, such as a button 112, may
be provided that is configured to retract the key 108 so the collar
102 can be removed from the neck of the tool.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5a-5g, an embodiment of a guide
member is depicted that is capable of movement with respect to the
housing without having to remove the guide member from the tool.
The guide member 30 includes a guide portion 32 that is movably
attached to the attachment portion 34. In FIGS. 5a-5g, the guide
portion is configured for pivotal movement with respect to the
housing which results in a "flip out" configuration for the guide
that enables the guide foot to be folded backward toward the nose
for storage and to be extended, i.e., flipped out, to provide a
guide surface for the blade 26. In alternative embodiments, other
types of movement may be used including translating movement, such
as described below in connection with FIGS. 7a-7e and FIGS.
8a-8c.
[0046] The guide portion 32 includes a leading edge portion 38 that
is pivotably attached to the attachment portion 34 by arms 74, 76.
The pivot arms may be pivotably supported by a pivot axle 78. The
arms 74, 76 are configured to pivot from a stored or retracted
position as depicted in FIG. 5d to an extended position as depicted
in FIG. 5e. As can be seen in FIG. 5d, the leading edge portion 38
is folded back approximately adjacent to the side of the housing so
that the guide member 30 will not interfere with operation of the
tool 10. In FIG. 5e, the leading edge portion is located at the
distance F so that it is in front of the leading edge of the blade
26. In this embodiment, the attachment portion includes a portion
of the guide surface 36 and the leading edge portion, as well as
the arms 74, 76 define the remaining portions of the guide surface
which are aligned in the extended position.
[0047] In FIGS. 5a-5g, the pivotable portion 32 forms a U-shape. In
alternative embodiments, other shapes and configurations for the
pivotable portion are possible. In one embodiment (not shown), the
pivotable portion is separated into left and right sections that
are each separately and independently pivotable with respect to the
housing. This configuration would enable one side of the guide to
be pivoted in one direction and the other side to be pivoted in the
other direction to provide a narrower guide surface.
[0048] The guide member includes a locking mechanism that enables
the guide foot to be releasably locked in the extended position. In
one embodiment, the locking mechanism is provided by locking pivot
structures 82 on the inner ends of the arms 74, 76 that receive
each end of the pivot axle 78. As depicted in FIG. 5g, the locking
pivot structures may comprise a 180.degree. military locking pivot.
The locking pivot structures 82 have protrusions and recesses that
are spring loaded into engagement with complementary recesses and
protrusions (not shown) in the surfaces around the pivot axle 78.
The guide member must be shifted laterally to disengage the locking
pivots 82 so the guide foot can be folded into the stored position
(FIG. 5d).
[0049] FIGS. 6a-6c depict another embodiment of a guide member that
is configured for pivotal movement with respect to the housing. In
the embodiment of FIG. 6a-6c, the guide portion 32 is pivotably
attached to the nose portion 18 of the housing and is configured to
pivot with respect to the housing between a stored position (as
shown in FIG. 6a, 6b) and an extended position (indicated by the
dotted lines in FIG. 6a). In this embodiment, the guide portion 32
is configured to pivot about the oscillation axis 0. As depicted in
FIGS. 6b and 6c, the guide member 30 includes at least one collar
portion 102 that is configured to be rotatably attached to the nose
portion of the housing. Two collar portions 102 are provided for
the embodiment of FIGS. 6b and 6c. The collar portions 102 are
configured to be selectively rotated with respect to the nose
portion 18 about the oscillation axis O to a plurality of angular
positions with respect to the oscillation axis O. A locking
mechanism 88 for releasably locking the collar portions at any one
of the plurality of angular positions is shown in FIG. 6c. The
locking mechanism 88 may comprise a spring-loaded button, or
similar type of structure, provided on the housing 18 that can be
manipulated by a user to move a pawl or key structure into and out
of engagement with recesses 89 in the collar portions 102 of the
guide member. In alternative embodiments, any suitable method or
mechanism may be used to selectively position the guide member at
different angular positions with respect to the housing.
[0050] FIGS. 7a-7e depict an embodiment of a guide member that is
configured to translate with respect to the housing between a
stored position (FIG. 7d) and an extended position (FIG. 7a). In
the extended position, the leading edge portion of the guide
portion 32 is located the distance F1 from the oscillation axis
which is greater than the distance D of the leading edge of the
blade from the oscillation axis. In the retracted position, the
guide portion 32 is translated rearwardly to a position at which
the leading edge portion 38 is located a distance F2 from the
oscillation axis which is less than the distance D.
[0051] Translating/sliding movement may be enabled in any suitable
manner. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7a-7e, the guide portion 32
includes slots or grooves 84 that extend between the leading and
trailing edges 38, 40 of the guide portion 32. Referring to FIG.
7e, the attachment portion 34 comprises projections 86 which are
attached to the nose portion of the housing which are slidably
retained within the slots 84. In FIGS. 7a-7e, a pair of slots 84
and a pair of projections are provided for guiding the translating
movement of the guide portion. In alternative embodiments, more or
fewer slots and projections may be used.
[0052] The sliding guide foot 86 includes locking mechanisms 88
that enables the guide portion 32 to be locked in the extended and
retracted positions. In one embodiment, the locking mechanisms 88
comprise spring loaded pins, or similar types of structures, that
extend into the slots and are received in recesses provided in the
guide structures 86. In alternative embodiments, any suitable type
of locking or retaining mechanism may be used.
[0053] FIGS. 8a-8c depict another embodiment of a translating guide
member for an oscillating power tool. In this embodiment, the guide
portion 32 is translatably supported by an attachment member 34
that is configured to be removably attached to one or both sides of
the nose portion 18 of the housing. The attachment member 34
includes a retaining structure (not shown). The nose portion 18
includes retaining features 90 which are configured to removably
retain the attachment member 34 in an operable position on the
housing. The retaining features 90 may be provided on both sides of
the housing so that the guide member 30 can be used on either side
of the tool 10.
[0054] FIGS. 9a-9c depict yet another embodiment of a guide member
for an oscillating power tool. In this embodiment, the guide
portion 32 and attachment member 34 are also configured to provide
a plunging movement for the oscillating tool. The attachment member
is removably attached to the nose portion 18 of the tool housing.
The guide portion 32 is similar in configuration to the guide
portion of FIGS. 1a-1e. However, in this embodiment, the guide
portion 32 is pivotably attached to the attachment portion 34 by a
hinge 92 or similar type of structure located near the leading edge
38.
[0055] The guide portion 32 is configured to pivot with respect to
the attachment portion 34 between a lower position and an upper
position. The lower and upper positions are defined by a curved
guide post that extends upwardly from the guide portion 32. The
guide post 94 defines an arc-shaped slot 96 having a center of
radius located at the pivot axis between the guide portion and the
attachment portion 34. The attachment member has a projection 98
that extends through the slot 96. The slot 96 serves to guide the
pivotal movement of the attachment portion 34 with respect to the
guide portion between the lower position (corresponding to the
bottom of the slot 96) and the upper position (corresponding to the
top of the slot 96). The oscillation axis is moved closer to and
farther away from the guide plane as the attachment portion 34
moves between the lower and upper positions. The projection 98 is
configured to be releasably secured to the guide post at a
plurality of positions along the slot 96 to define a desired depth
for a cut which is based on the distance that the blade extends
below the guide plane G.
[0056] The attachment portion 34 may be secured to the tool housing
in any suitable manner. For example, the attachment portion may
include a groove or slot in which at least a portion of the nose 18
portion of the housing is inserted. Complementary retaining
features 102 on the nose portion 18 and on the attachment portion
are then used to releasably retain the attachment portion 34 on the
nose portion 18. The retaining features may have any suitable
configuration and may be configured to be operated by a push button
104 or similar type of structure that enables the retaining
features to be selectively coupled and uncoupled.
[0057] FIGS. 10a-10b depict alternate embodiment of a guide member
30 that is configured for pivotal movement with respect to the
housing. The guide member 30 of FIGS. 10 and 10b includes a guide
portion 32 having a surface 36 and an attachment portion 34 having
two collar portions 102 which are pivotably attached to the nose
portion 18 of the housing. The collars 102 each define an opening
with a predetermined peripheral shape. The neck portion of the tool
10 is provided with an outer perimeter that is shaped complementary
to the periphery of the opening to enable the collars 102 to be
installed by aligning the peripheral shapes of the opening and the
neck so that the neck can be inserted through the opening until the
collars are situated around the neck portion.
[0058] The collar portions 102 are configured to be selectively
rotated with respect to the nose portion about the oscillation axis
O to a plurality of angular positions with respect to the
oscillation axis. The guide member is configured to pivot with
respect to the housing between an extended position (FIG. 10a) and
a stored position (FIG. 10b). In one embodiment, an optional
locking mechanism (not shown) for releasably locking the collar
portions at any one of the plurality of angular positions is
provided. The locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded
button, or similar type of structure, that is configured to move a
key on the collar into and out of engagement with recesses in the
nose portion of the housing that define the plurality of angular
positions.
[0059] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should
be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It
is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
presented and that all changes, modifications and further
applications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are
desired to be protected.
* * * * *