U.S. patent number RE46,103 [Application Number 14/614,701] was granted by the patent office on 2016-08-16 for quick change arbor, hole cutter, and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Irwin Industrial Tool Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Irwin Industrial Tool Company. Invention is credited to Joseph Thomas Novak, James E. Pangerc.
United States Patent |
RE46,103 |
Novak , et al. |
August 16, 2016 |
Quick change arbor, hole cutter, and method
Abstract
An arbor for quick change and standard hole cutters, wherein
each hole cutter includes a central aperture and at least one drive
pin aperture. The arbor comprises an arbor body including an end
portion engageable within the central aperture, a drive shank
opposite the end portion for engaging a power tool, and an aperture
for receiving a pilot bit. The arbor further comprises a drive pin
plate and/or collar having at least one drive pin receivable in a
corresponding drive pin aperture of the hole saw for drivingly
engaging the hole saw. The arbor, in at least one embodiment,
further comprises a pilot bit mechanism for engaging and releasing
a quick change or standard pilot bit.
Inventors: |
Novak; Joseph Thomas (East
Longmeadow, MA), Pangerc; James E. (Williamston, SC) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Irwin Industrial Tool Company |
Huntersville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
(Huntersville, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
56610577 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/614,701 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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12043740 |
Dec 11, 2011 |
8328474 |
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Reissue of: |
12399880 |
Mar 6, 2009 |
8366356 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23B
51/0473 (20130101); B23B 51/04 (20130101); Y10T
408/8957 (20150115); Y10T 408/895 (20150115); Y10T
408/03 (20150115); Y10T 408/95 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B23B
51/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;408/204,239R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
International Preliminary Report on Patentability for International
Application No. PCT/US2009/036413, issued Sep. 7, 2010. cited by
applicant .
Supplementary European Search Report for European Application No.
09 71 6790, completed Aug. 1, 2011. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion of the
International Searching Authority for International Application No.
PCT/US2009/036413, dated Jun. 24, 2009. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Graham; Matthew C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sutherland Asbill & Brennan
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application .Iadd.is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,356,
which .Iaddend.is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/043,740, filed Mar. 6, 2008, .Iadd.now U.S. Pat. No.
8,328,474, .Iaddend.the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An arbor for a hole cutter including an outer surface defining a
threaded aperture, and a drive member aperture spaced radially
relative to the threaded aperture, the arbor comprising: an
axially-elongated arbor body including a drive shank on one end
thereof, a threaded portion on an opposite end thereof relative to
the drive shank that is engageable with the threaded aperture on
the hole cutter, and an inner axially-extending bearing surface
located between the drive shank and the threaded portion, wherein
the arbor body defines a first width along the inner
axially-extending bearing surface; an axially-elongated collar
including a proximal end and a distal end, a manually engageable
surface extending axially between the proximal and distal ends and
defining a reduced width in comparison to the proximal and distal
ends, and a drive member extending axially from the distal end of
the collar, wherein the collar is slidably mounted on the arbor
body and movable between (i) an engaged position with the distal
end of the collar adjacent to the threaded portion for engaging the
drive member with the drive member aperture of a hole cutter
threadedly attached to the threaded portion of the arbor body, and
(ii) a disengaged position with the distal end of the collar
axially spaced relative to the threaded portion of the arbor body,
wherein the collar includes an outer axially-extending bearing
surface that slidably contacts the inner axially-extending bearing
surface of the arbor when moving the collar between the engaged and
disengaged positions, and the inner axially-extending bearing
surface defines a length that is at least about 11/4 times the
first width of the arbor body; and a retaining member mounted on
the collar and movable between (i) a first position holding the
collar in the engaged position, and (ii) a second position allowing
axial movement of the collar from the engaged position to the
disengaged position.
2. An arbor as defined in claim 1, wherein the axially-extending
bearing surface defines a length that is at least about 11/2 times
the first width of the arbor body.
3. An arbor as defined in claim 1, wherein the first width is
defined by an outer diameter of the arbor body.
4. An arbor as defined in claim 1, wherein the arbor body defines a
pair of inner axially-extending bearing surfaces angularly spaced
relative to each other, and a pair of inner curvilinear
axially-extending bearing surfaces angularly spaced relative to
each other between inner axially-extending bearing surfaces, and
the collar defines a pair of outer axially-extending bearing
surfaces angularly spaced relative to each other, and a pair of
outer curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces angularly
spaced relative to each other between outer axially-extending
bearing surfaces, wherein the pair of inner axially-extending
bearing surfaces slidably engage the pair of outer
axially-extending bearing surfaces, and the pair of inner
curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces slidably engage the
pair of outer curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces, when
moving the collar between the engaged and disengaged positions.
5. An arbor as defined in claim 4, wherein the pair of inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces are located on substantially
opposite sides of the arbor body relative to each other, and the
pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces are located on
substantially opposite sides of the collar relative to each
other.
6. An arbor as defined in claim 5, wherein the pair of inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces are substantially flat, and the
pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces are substantially
flat.
7. An arbor as defined in claim 6, wherein each curvilinear
axially-extending bearing surface is defined by a diameter of the
collar or arbor body, respectively.
8. An arbor as defined in claim 6, wherein the outer
axially-extending bearing surfaces are shorter than the inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces.
9. An arbor as defined in claim 8, wherein the collar defines a
pair of axially-extending recessed surfaces located on
substantially opposite sides of the collar relative to each other,
and each recessed surface extends between a respective outer
axially-extending bearing surface and the proximal end of the
collar.
10. An arbor as defined in claim 9, wherein the collar further
defines a pair of first stop surfaces, each first stop surface is
formed between an axially-extending recessed surface and respective
outer axially-extending bearing surface, the arbor body defines a
pair of second stop surfaces, each second stop surface is formed at
a proximal end of a respective inner axially-extending bearing
surface, and first and second stop surfaces engage each other in
the disengaged position to prevent further proximal axial movement
of the collar.
11. An arbor as defined in claim 10, wherein the second stop
surfaces are defined by respective lips formed on the arbor body,
and the lips and recessed surfaces form bearing surfaces that
slidably contact each other when moving the collar between the
engaged and disengaged positions.
12. An arbor as defined in claim 1, wherein the retaining member is
a ball located on one of the collar and arbor, and a corresponding
detent located on the other of the collar and the arbor, and
wherein the ball is received within the detent in the first
position to hold the collar in the engaged position.
13. An arbor as defined in claim 12, further comprising a spring
that biases the ball into the first position.
14. An arbor as defined in claim 13, wherein the spring and ball
are mounted adjacent to the distal end of the collar, and the
detent is formed on the arbor body proximal to the threaded
portion.
15. An arbor as defined in claim 1, wherein the collar defines a
proximal rim at the proximal end of the collar, a distal rim at the
distal end of the collar, and an annular manually engageable
surface extending between the proximal and distal rims.
16. An arbor as defined in claim 15, wherein at least one of the
proximal and distal rims is defined by a first diameter, and the
manually engageable surface is defined by a second diameter less
than the first diameter.
17. An arbor as defined in claim 16, wherein the second diameter is
within the range of about 70% to about 95% of the first
diameter.
18. An arbor as defined in claim 17, wherein the second diameter is
within the range of about 80% to about 90% of the first
diameter.
19. An arbor as defined in claim 17, wherein both the proximal and
distal rims are substantially defined by the first diameter.
20. An arbor as defined in claim 17, wherein the manually
engageable surface defines an axial length, and the proximal and
distal rims each define an axial length, and the axial length of
the manually engageable surface is greater than the axial length of
each of the proximal and distal rims.
21. An arbor as defined in claim 20, wherein the axial length of
the manually engageable surface is about 30% to about 60% greater
than the axial length of each of the proximal and distal rims.
22. An arbor for a hole cutter including an outer surface defining
a threaded aperture, and a drive aperture spaced radially relative
to the threaded aperture, the arbor comprising: an
axially-elongated arbor body including first means on one end
thereof for rotatably driving the arbor body, second means on an
opposite end thereof relative to the first means for threadedly
engaging the arbor body to the threaded aperture on the hole
cutter, and an inner axially-extending bearing surface located
between the first and second means, wherein the arbor body defines
a first width along the inner axially-extending bearing surface;
third means for manually engaging and slidably moving on the arbor
body between (i) an engaged position for engaging and driving the
hole saw attached to the arbor body, and (ii) a disengaged position
for threadedly detaching the hole saw from, or threadedly attaching
the hole saw to the arbor body, wherein the third means includes a
proximal end and a distal end, a manually engageable surface
extending axially between the proximal and distal ends and defining
a reduced width in comparison to the proximal and distal ends,
fourth means extending axially from the distal end of the third
means for receipt within the drive aperture of the hole saw and for
rotatably driving the hole saw with the third means, and an outer
axially-extending bearing surface that slidably contacts the inner
axially-extending bearing surface of the arbor body when moving the
third means between the engaged and disengaged positions, and
wherein the inner axially-extending bearing surface defines a
length that is at least about 11/4 times the first width of the
arbor body; and fifth means mounted on the third means and movable
between (i) a first position for holding the third means in the
engaged position, and (ii) a second position allowing axial
movement of the third means from the engaged position to the
disengaged position.
23. An arbor as defined in claim 22, wherein the first means is a
drive shank, the second means is a threaded boss, the third means
is a collar, the fourth means is a pair of drive pins mounted on
the collar, and the fifth means is a ball and detent.
.Iadd.24. An arbor for a hole cutter including an outer surface
defining a threaded aperture, and a drive member aperture spaced
radially relative to the threaded aperture, the arbor comprising:
an axially-elongated arbor body including a drive shank on one end
thereof, a threaded portion on an opposite end thereof relative to
the drive shank that is engageable with the threaded aperture on
the hole cutter, and an inner axially-extending bearing surface
located between the drive shank and the threaded portion, wherein
the arbor body defines a first width along the inner
axially-extending bearing surface; an axially-elongated collar
including a proximal end and a distal end, a manually engageable
surface extending axially between the proximal and distal ends and
defining a reduced width in comparison to a width of the proximal
end and a width of the distal end, and a drive member extending
axially from the distal end of the collar, wherein the collar is
slidably mounted on the arbor body and movable between (i) an
engaged position with the distal end of the collar adjacent to the
threaded portion for engaging the drive member with the drive
member aperture of a hole cutter threadedly attached to the
threaded portion of the arbor body, and (ii) a disengaged position
with the distal end of the collar axially spaced relative to the
threaded portion of the arbor body, wherein the collar includes an
outer axially-extending bearing surface that slidably contacts the
inner axially-extending bearing surface of the arbor when moving
the collar between the engaged and disengaged positions, and the
inner axially-extending bearing surface defines a length that is at
least about 1-1/4 times the first width of the arbor body; and a
retaining member mounted on the collar and movable between (i) a
first position holding the collar in the engaged position, and (ii)
a second position allowing axial movement of the collar from the
engaged position to the disengaged position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the distal end
of the collar defines one width or diameter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the proximal end
of the collar defines one width or diameter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the proximal end
of the collar defines a proximal rim..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the distal end
of the collar defines a distal rim..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. An arbor as defined in claim 27, wherein the manually
engageable surface defines a first axial length and the proximal
rim defines a second axial length, and the first axial length is
about 30% to about 60% greater than the second axial
length..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein said reduced
width is within a range of about 70% to about 95% of at least one
of said width of the proximal end and said width of the distal
end..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein said reduced
width is within a range of about 80% to about 90% of at least one
of said width of the proximal end and said width of the distal
end..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the collar
defines a sloped surface between the proximal end and the manually
engageable surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the collar
defines a sloped surface between the distal end and the manually
engageable surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. An arbor as defined in claim 24, wherein the inner
axially-extending bearing surface is defined by a pair of
substantially flat inner axially-extending bearing surfaces located
on substantially opposite sides of the arbor body relative to each
other and the substantially flat inner axially-extending bearing
surfaces define said first width..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates arbors for hole cutters, hole
cutters, and related methods, and more particularly, to arbors,
hole cutters and related methods facilitating relatively quick
attachment and release of a hole cutter and/or pilot bit to and
from the arbor.
BACKGROUND
A typical arbor for a hole saw includes an arbor body with a
threaded end portion that engages a corresponding threaded aperture
in the end plate of the hole saw to secure the hole saw to the
arbor. A pilot drill bit is receivable within the threaded end
portion of the arbor body and extends through the center of the
hole saw. The arbor further includes a drive pin plate that
slidably mounts to the arbor body and has a pair of diametrically
opposed drive pins that extend into corresponding drive pin holes
formed in the end plate of the hole saw to rotatably drive the hole
saw. A lock nut is threadedly mounted on the arbor body to prevent
disengagement of the drive pins from the hole saw during use.
To mount the hole saw to the arbor, the end plate of the hole saw
is threaded onto the threaded end portion such that the hole saw is
secured to the arbor body and the drive pin holes are in alignment
with the corresponding drive pins of the drive pin plate. Then the
lock nut is tightened until the drive pins are fully received by
the drive pin holes to secure the arbor to the hole saw. To mount
the pilot bit, the bit is inserted into the center hole and secured
by tightening a fastener.
One of the drawbacks associated with this type of arbor is that
hole saws will lock up on the threads if the drive pin plate
disengages from the hole saw during operation, presenting the end
user with a difficult and time consuming task of removing the hole
saw from the arbor. In many circumstances, the process of removing
a locked up hole saw from the arbor permanently damages the arbor,
the hole saw or both, necessitating the unwanted expense associated
with replacing equipment prematurely.
Another drawback of this type of arbor is that it can be necessary
to hold the hole saw in place to maintain alignment of the drive
pin holes with the corresponding drive pins while simultaneously
tightening the lock nut to avoid rotation of the hole saw that
otherwise would prevent the drive pins from entering the drive pin
holes. To address this problem, proprietary arbors have been
devised that accept corresponding proprietary hole saws
specifically designed to make hole saw mounting an easier task.
However, the versatility of these arbors is greatly limited because
they can only mount the particular manufacturer's proprietary hole
saws and are not able to mount standard hole saws. Accordingly, it
would be advantageous for such proprietary arbors to accept
standard hole saws because they tend to be readily available in the
event a proprietary hole saw needs replacing and is not available,
or in the event a proprietary hole saw is not available in a
desired size and/or cutting configuration.
Still another drawback of this type of arbor is that the process of
inserting and removing pilot drill bits frequently requires the end
user to manually engage a set screw. To address this issue,
proprietary arbors have been devised that secure corresponding
proprietary pilot drill bits having shanks configured for
securement without the necessity of tools. However, the versatility
of these arbors is greatly limited because they can only secure the
particular manufacturer's proprietary pilot drill bits, and are not
able to secure standard pilot drill bits which are readily
available and easily obtainable in the event a proprietary pilot
drill bit needs replacing and is not available, or in the event a
proprietary pilot drill bit is not available in a desired size
and/or drilling configuration. Further, such proprietary arbor and
pilot drill bit systems can fail at fully securing the bits inside
the arbor and/or can allow the bits to loosen during use causing
off-axis wobble, especially at high rotational speeds. Off-axis
wobble can cause undesirable vibration of the pilot drill bit that
can reduce the drilling life of the bit and/or create an
unacceptable degree of inaccuracy during use.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome
one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages
of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention is
directed to an arbor that is connectable to a quick change hole
cutter, and in some embodiments of the present invention, also is
connectable to a standard hole cutter. The hole cutter includes an
end portion defining a first aperture, and at least one drive pin
recess radially spaced relative to the first aperture. The arbor
comprises an arbor body including a stop surface, and a hole cutter
connecting portion extending axially from the stop surface and
engageable within the first aperture of the hole cutter. A drive
pin member defines a second aperture that receives therethrough the
arbor body, and is configured to allow relative axial movement, but
to prevent relative rotational movement, of the arbor body and
drive pin member. The drive pin member further includes a first
surface, and at least one drive pin radially spaced relative to the
second aperture and extending axially from the first surface. The
connecting portion is receivable within the first aperture of the
hole cutter to define a first engagement position. The arbor body
and/or the hole cutter is movable relative to the other between the
first engagement position and a second engagement position to
secure the hole cutter to the arbor body. In the second engagement
position: (i) the at least one drive pin is substantially aligned
with the at least one corresponding drive pin recess of the hole
cutter; and (ii) the drive pin member is movable axially relative
to the arbor body between a disengaged position axially spaced
relative to the hole cutter, and an engaged position wherein the at
least one drive pin is received within the corresponding drive pin
recess of the hole cutter, and the first surface of the drive pin
member contacts the end portion of the hole cutter.
Preferably, in the second engagement position, the end portion of
the hole cutter is in contact with the stop surface of the arbor
body. In some embodiments of the present invention, the arbor body
and/or hole cutter is rotatable relative to the other between the
first and second engagement positions. In some such embodiments,
the connecting portion of the arbor body defines a first thread,
and the first aperture of the hole cutter defines a second thread
that is threadedly engageable with the first thread, to fixedly
secure the hole cutter to the arbor body in the second engagement
position. In some such embodiments, the threads on the connecting
portion of the arbor body are configured to both (i) substantially
align the at least one drive pin with the corresponding drive pin
recess of the hole cutter in the second engagement position, and
(ii) place the end portion of the hole cutter in contact with the
stop surface of the arbor body in the second engagement position.
In some such embodiments, the first and second threads define an
axial clearance therebetween allowing the end portion of the hole
cutter to substantially contact the stop surface of the arbor body
in the both the first engagement position and the second engagement
position. In some such embodiments, the arbor body and/or hole
cutter is rotatable relative to the other between the first and
second engagement positions, and the angular extent between the
first and second engagement positions is within the range of about
10.degree. and about 180.degree..
In some embodiments of the present invention, the first aperture of
the quick change hole cutter defines a plurality of angularly
extending protrusions, and a plurality of relatively recessed
portions formed therebetween; and the connecting portion of the
arbor body defines a plurality of angularly extending protrusions,
and a plurality of relatively recessed portions formed
therebetween. In the first engagement position, the protrusions of
the connecting portion are received within the recesses of the
first aperture, and the protrusions of the first aperture are
received within the recessed portions of the connecting portion. In
the second engagement position, the protrusions of the connecting
portion are engaged with the protrusions of the first aperture. In
some such embodiments, the protrusions of the connecting portion
define a first thread, the protrusions of the first aperture define
a second thread, and the first and second threads are threadedly
engaged with each other in the second engagement position. In some
embodiments, at least one of the angularly extending protrusions
defines a greater or lesser angular extent than at least one other
angular extending protrusion of the respective first aperture and
connecting portion, to thereby permit receipt of the connecting
portion within the first aperture in only the first engagement
position.
Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise a collar
coupled to the drive pin member, wherein movement of the collar
between a first position and second position substantially
simultaneously moves the drive pin member from the engaged to the
disengaged position. Preferably, the collar defines an approximate
diabolo shape. One advantage of this feature is that it facilitates
handling during use by permitting the user to grasp the middle
portion of the collar with, for example, an index finger and thumb
of one hand, when moving the collar to attach or remove a hole
cutter.
In some embodiments of the present invention, an axially elongated
bearing surface is defined by the interface between the collar and
the arbor body. One advantage if this feature is that it reduces or
prevents unwanted play or movement between the collar and drive pin
member, and the arbor body.
Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise a
biasing member, such as a coil spring, that normally biases the
drive pin member in the direction from the disengaged into the
engaged position. Preferably, the biasing member automatically
drives the drive pin member into the engaged position upon moving
the hole cutter into the second engagement position. One advantage
of this feature is that it facilitates one-handed attachment of the
hole cutter to the arbor, or otherwise facilitates rapid attachment
and detachment of the hole cutter to and from the arbor.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the
arbor body further defines a pilot bit aperture that is configured
to alternatively receive both a quick change pilot bit and a
standard pilot bit. In some such embodiments, the arbor further
comprises (i) a pilot pin biased radially inwardly toward the pilot
bit aperture and engageable with a quick change pilot bit received
within the pilot bit aperture, and (ii) a fastener movable into the
pilot bit aperture and engageable with a standard pilot bit
received within the pilot bit aperture.
In some such embodiments, the arbor body further defines a pilot
bit aperture for alternatively receiving both a quick change pilot
bit and a standard pilot bit, and the arbor further comprises a
pilot bit mechanism defining (i) a first state wherein the pilot
bit mechanism engages the quick change pilot bit to prevent
movement of the bit relative to the arbor body; (ii) a second state
wherein the pilot bit mechanism engages the standard pilot bit to
prevent movement of the bit relative to the arbor body; and (iii) a
third state wherein the pilot bit mechanism disengages from the
respective quick change pilot bit or standard pilot bit and allows
movement of the respective bit relative to the arbor body.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to an arbor that is connectable to a quick change hole
cutter including an end portion defining a first aperture and at
least one recess radially spaced relative to the first aperture.
The arbor comprises first means for drivingly connecting a power
tool to the hole cutter. The first means includes a stop surface,
and second means of the arbor extends axially relative to the stop
surface for releasably engaging the first aperture of the hole
cutter and defining a first engagement position. Third means are
provided for receiving therethrough the first means, and for
allowing relative axial movement, but preventing relative
rotational movement, of the first means and the third means. The
third means includes a first surface, and at least one fourth means
extending axially from the first surface for receipt within the at
least one recess of the hole cutter for rotatably driving the hole
cutter. Fifth means are provided for allowing rotational movement
of at least one of the first means and the hole cutter relative to
the other between the first engagement position and a second
engagement position for securing the hole cutter to the first
means, and for (i) substantially aligning the at least one fourth
means with the at least one corresponding recess of the hole cutter
in the second engagement position to, in turn, allow axial movement
of the third means relative to the first means in the second
engagement position between a disengaged position axially spaced
relative to the hole cutter, and an engaged position with the at
least one fourth means received within the corresponding recess of
the hole cutter, and (ii) placing the first surface of the third
means in substantial contact with the stop surface of the hole
cutter in the second engagement position.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a quick change hole cutter that is attachable to an
arbor. The arbor includes a threaded end portion defining at least
one male threaded portion, a stop surface located adjacent to the
threaded end portion, and a drive pin member including at least one
drive pin thereon and movable axially relative to the arbor between
an engaged position with the drive pin engaging the hole cutter,
and a disengaged position with the drive pin disengaged from the
hole cutter. The quick change hole cutter comprises a blade
including a blade body and a cutting edge defined by a plurality of
cutting teeth. An end portion of the hole cutter is fixedly secured
to the blade body, and defines an approximately central aperture
including on a peripheral portion thereof at least one female
threaded portion, and at least one drive pin recess radially spaced
relative to the central aperture. The female threaded portion
cooperates with the male threaded portion of the arbor to define
(i) a first engagement position wherein the lead male and female
threads engage or substantially engage one another and define a
first axial clearance relative to each other, and (ii) a second
engagement position angularly spaced relative to the first
engagement position. In the second engagement position, the male
and female threads engage one another and define a second axial
clearance less than the first axial clearance, the end portion is
in engagement or substantial engagement with the stop surface of
the arbor, and the drive pin recess is aligned with a respective
drive pin of the arbor for receiving the drive pin with the drive
pin member located in the engaged position.
Preferably, in the second engagement position, the end portion of
the hole cutter is in contact with the stop surface of the arbor
body. In some embodiments of the present invention, the female
threaded portion defines an axial clearance relative to the male
threaded portion allowing the end portion of the hole cutter to
substantially contact the stop surface of the arbor body in the
both the first engagement position and the second engagement
position. In some embodiments, the connecting portion of the arbor
body defines a plurality of angularly extending protrusions and a
plurality of relatively recessed portions formed therebetween; and
the central aperture of the quick change hole cutter defines a
plurality of angularly extending protrusions, and a plurality of
relatively recessed portions formed therebetween. In the first
engagement position, the protrusions of the arbor connecting
portion are received within the recesses of the central aperture,
and the protrusions of the central aperture are received within the
recessed portions of the arbor connecting portion. In the second
engagement position, the protrusions of the arbor connecting
portion are engaged with the protrusions of the central
aperture.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a quick change hole cutter that is attachable to an
arbor. The arbor includes a threaded end portion defining at least
one male threaded portion, a stop surface located adjacent to the
threaded end portion, and a drive pin member including at least one
drive pin thereon and movable axially relative to the arbor between
an engaged position with the drive pin engaging the hole cutter,
and a disengaged position with the drive pin disengaged from the
hole cutter. The quick change hole cutter comprises first means for
cutting a hole, and second means for releasably connecting the
first means to the arbor. The second means includes third means for
engaging the end portion of the arbor in a first engagement
position defining a first axial clearance therebetween, allowing
relative rotational movement of the hole cutter and/or arbor
relative to the other between the first engagement position and a
second engagement position angularly spaced relative to the first
engagement position, and defining a second axial clearance
therebetween less than the first axial clearance, and for placing
the second means in engagement or substantial engagement with the
stop surface of the arbor. Fourth means of the hole cutter are
aligned with the drive pin of the arbor in the second engagement
position for receiving the drive pin with the drive pin member
located in the second engaged position.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a method comprising the following steps:
(i) providing an arbor including a connecting portion that is
connectable to a quick change hole cutter, wherein the hole cutter
includes an end portion defining a first aperture and at least one
drive pin recess radially spaced relative to the first aperture,
and the arbor includes an axially-elongated arbor body and a drive
pin member movable axially, but not rotationally, relative to the
arbor body, and including at least one drive pin extending
therefrom;
(ii) inserting the connecting portion of the arbor body into the
first aperture of the hole cutter to define a first engagement
position;
(iii) moving the arbor body and/or hole cutter relative to the
other between the first engagement position and a second engagement
position and, in turn, securing the hole cutter to the arbor body;
and
(iv) upon moving the arbor body and/or hole cutter relative to the
other into the second engagement position, (i) substantially
aligning the at least one drive pin with the at least one
corresponding drive pin recess of the hole cutter in the second
engagement position, and then either moving or allowing axial
movement of the drive pin member relative to the arbor body between
a disengaged position axially spaced relative to the hole cutter,
and an engaged position with the at least one drive pin axially
received within the corresponding drive pin recess of the hole
cutter and, in turn, placing the drive pin member in substantial
contact with the end portion of the hole cutter.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further
comprises the steps of:
(i) providing a quick change hole cutter including a first aperture
defining along a periphery thereof a plurality of angularly
extending protrusions and a plurality of recesses formed
therebetween;
(ii) providing an arbor having a connecting portion defining a
plurality of angularly extending protrusions and a plurality of
recesses formed therebetween;
(iii) inserting at least one of the protrusions of the connecting
portion and the protrusions of the first aperture into the recesses
of the other in the first engagement position; and
(iv) rotating at least one of the hole cutter and arbor body
relative to the other from the first engagement position to the
second engagement position and, in turn, engaging at least one of
the protrusions of the connecting portion and of the first aperture
with the other.
Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise the
steps of normally biasing the drive pin member in the direction
from the disengaged position toward the engaged position, and upon
moving the hole cutter from the first engagement position into the
second engagement position, automatically biasing the drive pin
member into the engaged position to, in turn, drive the drive
pin(s) into the corresponding drive pin recess(es) and attach the
hole cutter to the arbor.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is direct
to an arbor for a hole cutter including an outer surface defining a
threaded aperture, and a drive member aperture spaced radially
relative to the threaded aperture. The arbor comprises an
axially-elongated arbor body including a drive shank on one end
thereof, a threaded portion on an opposite end thereof relative to
the drive shank that is engageable with the threaded aperture on
the hole cutter, and an inner axially-extending bearing surface
located between the drive shank and the threaded portion. The arbor
body defines a first width, such as a diameter, along the inner
axially-extending bearing surface. The arbor further comprises an
axially-elongated collar including a proximal end and a distal end,
a manually engageable surface extending axially between the
proximal and distal ends and defining a reduced width in comparison
to the proximal and distal ends, and a drive member, such as a
plurality of angularly spaced drive pins, extending axially from
the distal end of the collar. The collar is slidably mounted on the
arbor body and movable between (i) an engaged position with the
distal end of the collar adjacent to the threaded portion for
engaging the drive member with the drive member aperture of a hole
cutter threadedly attached to the threaded portion of the arbor
body, and (ii) a disengaged position with the distal end of the
collar axially spaced relative to the threaded portion of the arbor
body. The collar includes an outer axially-extending bearing
surface that slidably contacts the inner axially-extending bearing
surface of the arbor when moving the collar between the engaged and
disengaged positions, and the inner axially-extending bearing
surface defines a length that is at least about 11/4 times the
first width, such as the diameter, of the arbor body. The arbor
further comprises a retaining member mounted on the collar and
movable between (i) a first position holding the collar in the
engaged position, and (ii) a second position allowing axial
movement of the collar from the engaged position to the disengaged
position.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the axially-extending
bearing surface defines a length that is at least about 11/2 times
the first width, such as the diameter, of the arbor body.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the arbor body
defines a pair of inner axially-extending bearing surfaces
angularly spaced relative to each, and a pair of inner curvilinear
axially-extending bearing surfaces angularly spaced relative to
each other between inner axially-extending bearing surfaces. The
collar defines a pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces
angularly spaced relative to each other, and a pair of outer
curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces angularly spaced
relative to each other between outer axially-extending bearing
surfaces. The pair of inner axially-extending bearing surfaces
slidably engage the pair of outer axially-extending bearing
surfaces, and the pair of inner curvilinear axially-extending
bearing surfaces slidably engage the pair of outer curvilinear
axially-extending bearing surfaces, when moving the collar between
the engaged and disengaged positions. Preferably, the pair of inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces are substantially flat, and the
pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces are substantially
flat.
In some such embodiments, each curvilinear axially-ex- tending
bearing surface is defined by a diameter of the collar or arbor
body, respectively. In some embodiments of the present invention,
the outer axially-extending bearing surfaces are shorter than the
inner axially-extending bearing surfaces. In some such embodiments,
the collar defines a pair of axially-extending recessed surfaces
located on substantially opposite sides of the collar relative to
each other, and each recessed surface extends between a respective
inner axially-extending bearing surface and the proximal end of the
collar. In some such embodiments, the collar further defines a pair
of first stop surfaces. Each first stop surface is formed between
an axially-extending recessed surface and respective inner
axially-extending bearing surface. The arbor body defines a pair of
second stop surfaces, each second stop surface is formed at a
proximal end of a respective inner axially-extending bearing
surface, and first and second stop surfaces engage each other in
the disengaged position to prevent further proximal axial movement
of the collar. In some such embodiments, the second stop surfaces
are defined by respective lips formed on the arbor body, and the
lips and recessed surfaces form bearing surfaces that slidably
contact each other when moving the collar between the engaged and
disengaged positions.
One advantage of some currently preferred embodiments of the
present invention is that the collar defines axially-elongated
bearing surfaces that are at least about 11/4 times as long as the
diameter of the arbor body to thereby provide extensive bearing
surfaces and, in turn, substantially prevent any rocking or wobble
of the hole cutter on the arbor body. Yet another advantage is that
the collar defines an axially-extending manually engageable surface
to facilitate manually engagement and movement of the collar
between the disengaged and engaged positions in a single,
one-handed motion.
Another advantage of some currently preferred embodiments of the
present invention is that they enable a hole cutter to be
relatively quickly engaged with, and disengaged from, the arbor.
Yet another advantage of some currently preferred embodiments of
the present invention is that they enable one arbor to accept both
quick change and standard hole cutters.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention
and/or of the currently preferred embodiments thereof will become
more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description
of the currently preferred embodiments and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arbor for a hole saw according
to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the arbor of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor of FIG. 1 further
showing the pilot bit mechanism of the arbor in a first or quick
change pilot bit state.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the arbor body of the arbor of FIG.
1.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor body of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a front end view of the arbor body of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pilot pin of the arbor of FIG.
1.
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the pilot pin of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the end plate of a quick change
hole saw of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the arbor of FIG. 1 showing the
step of aligning the hole saw aperture with the end portion of the
arbor body and with parts of the hole saw removed for clarity.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the arbor of FIG. 11 showing the
step of moving the aligned hole saw aperture into engagement with
the end portion of the arbor body.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the arbor of FIG. 12 showing the
step of rotating the hole saw to fully engage the end portion of
the arbor.
FIGS. 14A and B are cross-sectional views of the arbor of FIG. 13
showing movement of the drive pin plate between the first position
(FIG. 14A) and the second position (FIG. 14B) so that the drive
pins engage/disengage the corresponding drive pin apertures of the
hole saw.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the arbor of FIG. 13 showing the
drive pin plate engaged with the hole saw cap.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor of FIG. 1 showing
the pilot bit mechanism in a second or standard pilot bit
state.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor of FIG. 1 showing
the pilot bit mechanism in a third or neutral state disengaged from
the pilot bit inserted therein.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a quick change pilot bit.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a standard pilot bit.
FIG. 20 is another embodiment of an arbor of the invention
including a nut rotatably mounted on the arbor body for securing
the axial position of the drive pin plate during use.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the arbor of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an adapter for connecting
relatively small hole cutters to the arbors of the invention
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of an
arbor of the invention wherein the drive pin plate is manually
moved (rather than spring biased) between the engaged and
disengaged positions, and including a ball detent mechanism for
releasably securing the drive plate in the engaged position.
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the arbor of FIG.
24.
FIG. 26 is top plan view of the arbor of FIG. 24.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.
26.
FIG. 28 is a somewhat schematic illustration of standard hole
cutter thread form shown in solid lines, and a custom hole cutter
thread form in accordance with the currently preferred embodiments
of the present invention shown in broken lines.
FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of an
arbor including an axially elongated collar defining axially
elongated bearing surfaces that slidably engage corresponding
axially-elongated bearing surfaces of the arbor body.
FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the arbor of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.
30.
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG.
30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIGS. 1-4, an arbor embodying the present invention is indicated
generally by the reference numeral 10. The arbor 10 is usable with
hole cutters, such as hole saws and sheet metal hole cutters. The
term "hole cutter" is used herein to mean any of numerous different
types of cutting tools for cutting holes in work pieces, such as
hole saws, sheet metal hole cutters, etc. The term "arbor" is used
herein to mean any of numerous different types of devices for
supporting a rotating tool, such as a hole cutter, on a power tool
such as a drill, and further includes, without limitation,
mandrels. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 10, a typical quick
change hole cutter 12 includes an end plate 14 defining a hole
cutter aperture 16 extending through a central portion of the end
plate, and at least one drive pin aperture 18 radially spaced
relative to the aperture 16. In the illustrated embodiment, there
are two drive pin apertures 18 radially spaced relative to the
aperture 16 and angularly spaced relative to each other by about
180.degree.. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any
number of drive pin apertures may be provided in any of a variety
of shapes and/or configurations. As shown typically in FIG. 4, a
blade 13 extends axially from the end plate 14 and defines a
plurality of cutting teeth 15 for cutting a hole in a work piece by
rotatably driving the arbor 10 and hole cutter 12 and moving the
rotatably-driven cutting teeth 15 into the work piece. As described
further below, in the quick change hole cutter, the aperture 16
defines a plurality of raised threaded portions 17 that are
angularly spaced relative to each other for threadedly engaging a
connecting end portion 22 of the arbor 10, and a plurality of
recessed unthreaded portions 19 located between the threaded
portions.
In a standard hole cutter or saw, on the other hand, the central
aperture in the end plate or cap of the hole cutter defines a
continuous or substantially continuous thread extending about the
circumference of the aperture. Such standard hole cutters conform
to the ASME B94.54-1999 standard, and in accordance with such ASME
standard, define a standard thread form depending on the outside
diameter of the hole saw as follows: For hole saws having outside
diameters between 9/16 inch and 1 3/16 inches, the standard thread
form is a 1/2-20 UNF-2B thread, and for hole saws having outside
diameters between 11/4 inches and 6 inches, the standard thread
form is a 5/8-18 UNF-2B thread. Accordingly, the term "standard"
hole cutter is used herein to mean a hole cutter that has such a
threaded aperture; whereas the term "quick change" hole cutter is
used herein to mean a hole cutter that does not include a such a
conventional threaded aperture, but rather includes a connecting
aperture defining one or more features to facilitate a quick change
attachment of the hole cutter to the arbor, such as the plural
raised engagement portions and plural recessed portions located
therebetween and described further below.
As shown best in FIGS. 5-7, the arbor 10 comprises an
axially-elongated arbor body 20 defining an axially extending pilot
bit aperture 29 for receiving a pilot bit, such as a quick change
pilot bit 64 (FIG. 18) or a standard pilot bit 66 (FIG. 19). A
standard pilot bit is a pilot bit that does not include a feature
for allowing attachment of the bit to an arbor without tools. The
arbor body 20 includes a body portion 26 defining a stop surface
28, and an end portion 22 that extends axially from the stop
surface 28 and defines an end surface 33. As described further
below, the end portion 22 is engageable within the hole cutter
aperture 16 (FIG. 4) to secure the arbor body to the hole cutter.
In the illustrated embodiments, and as described further below, the
end portion 22 threadedly engages the hole cutter aperture 16;
however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other
connection mechanisms or features that are currently known, or that
later become known, equally may be employed. As can be seen in
FIGS. 5-7, the body portion 26 of the arbor defines a "double D"
cross-sectional configuration (i.e., a pair of opposing
substantially flat side surfaces with a pair of opposing
substantially curvilinear side surfaces extending therebetween);
however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, this configuration is
only exemplary, and numerous other shapes and/or configurations
that are currently known, or that later become known equally may be
used. A drive shank 24 is formed on the arbor body 20 opposite the
end portion 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shank 24
is a quick-release power drive shank of a type known to those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art. However, as may be recognized
by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the
teachings herein, the shank 24 may take the form of any of numerous
different types of shanks or other structures that are currently
known, or that later become known for performing the function of
the shank 24.
As shown typically in FIGS. 1-4 and 11-12, the arbor 10 further
includes a drive pin plate or member 30 defining an aperture 32
extending therethrough. The aperture 32 is configured for receiving
the arbor body 20 and engaging the body portion 26 of the arbor
body such that the drive pin plate 30 is prevented from rotating
relative to the arbor body, but is allowed to move axially over the
arbor body between a first position engaging the hole cutter 12
(FIG. 14A), and a second position disengaged from the hole cutter
12 (FIG. 14B). As best shown in FIG. 2, the aperture 32 defines a
"double D" configuration to matingly engage the body portion 26 of
the arbor body 20; however, as may be recognized by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein,
this configuration is only exemplary, and numerous other shapes
and/or configurations that are currently known, or that later
become known equally may be used. The drive pin plate 30 further
includes a first or hole cutter bearing surface 34, and a plurality
of retaining members, which in the illustrated embodiment are drive
pins 36. The drive pins 36 extend axially from the first surface
34, are angularly spaced relative to each other, and are radially
spaced relative to the aperture 32. Each drive pin 36 is received
within a corresponding drive pin aperture 18 of the hole cutter 12
when the drive pin plate 30 is in a first (engaged) position
engaging the hole cutter (FIGS. 4 and 14A), and is displaced from
the respective drive pin aperture 18 when the drive pin plate is in
a second (disengaged) position disengaged from the hole cutter
(FIG. 14B). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive pin plate 30
includes two diametrically opposed drive pins 36; however, as may
be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art base
on the teachings herein, the drive pin plate 30 can take any of
numerous different configurations and can include any number of
drive pins 36 that can take any of numerous different
configurations that are engageable with corresponding drive pin
apertures 18 or other recesses in the hole cutter.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a biasing member 38 biases the drive pin
plate 30 in the direction from the second disengaged position
toward the first engaged position. As described in further detail
below, the biasing member 38 normally biases the drive pin plate 30
into the first engaged position when the drive pins 36 and
corresponding drive pin apertures 18 are placed in alignment, such
that the drive pin plate 30 abuts the end plate 14 of the hole
cutter 12, and supports the hole cutter in a manner that
substantially prevents off-axis wobble and undesirable vibrations
during use. One advantage of this feature is that it facilitates
one-handed attachment of the hole cutter to the arbor, or otherwise
facilitates rapid attachment and detachment of the hole cutter to
and from the arbor.
Preferably, the arbor 10 is adapted to receive and mount both quick
change hole cutters and standard hole cutters. However, the
invention and aspects thereof may be embodied in arbors adapted to
mount only quick change hole cutters. In a standard hole cutter
(not shown), the threaded aperture in the end plate of the hole
cutter (defining, for example, either a 1/2-20 UNF-2B thread or a
5/8-18 UNF-2B thread, depending on the outer diameter of the hole
saw) threadedly engages the end portion 22 of the arbor body 20 to
secure the arbor body thereto. In the quick change hole cutter 12,
on the other hand, and as shown typically in FIG. 10, the aperture
16 in the end plate 14 defines a plurality of curvilinear
protrusions 17 angularly spaced relative to each other along the
circumference of the aperture, and a plurality of curvilinear
recesses 19 located therebetween. The curvilinear protrusions 17
define female threads that threadedly engage corresponding male
threads formed on the end portion 22 of the arbor body 20. More
specifically, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the end portion 22 of
the arbor body 20 defines a plurality of angularly extending,
curvilinear arbor protrusions 23 that project radially outwardly,
and are angularly spaced relative to each other about the
circumference of the end portion 22, and a plurality of angularly
extending recesses or flats 25 located therebetween. In the
illustrated embodiment, one or more of the protrusions 23 on the
arbor body 20 and the corresponding protrusions 17 on the hole
cutter 12 defines a greater or lesser angular extent than the other
protrusions so that the quick change hole cutter can be fitted to
the end portion 22 of the arbor body in only one first engagement
position, and in that first engagement position, the lead male and
female threads can properly engage when moving from the first
engagement position to the second engagement position. More
specifically, as shown typically in FIG. 7, a first protrusion 17
on the end portion 22 of the arbor body to the left in the drawing
defines a greater angular extent than the opposite second
protrusion 23 located to the right in the drawing. Similarly, the
hole saw cap 14 of FIG. 10 includes a first recess 19 defining a
greater angular extent than the opposite second recess 19.
Accordingly, in the first engagement position, the first recess 19
receives the first protrusion 23, the second recess 19 receives the
second protrusion 23, and this is the only position in which the
end portion 23 of the arbor can be received within the central
aperture of the hole cutter. In this first engagement position, the
lead threads of the respective protrusions of the arbor and hole
saw engage upon moving at least one of the hole cutter and arbor
body relative to the other between the first and the second
engagement positions. Because of the different angular extents of
the opposing threaded protrusions of the quick change hole saw cap
and arbor body, 17 and 23, respectively, the end portion 22 of the
arbor body can be received into the aperture 16 of the hole saw cap
in only one position, and in that position, the lead male and
female threads can engage upon moving the hole cutter and/or arbor
body relative to the other between the first and second engagement
positions. If desired, or alternatively, the hole cutter and/or
arbor can include visual markings thereon that can be aligned or
otherwise used to orient the position of the hole cutter aperture
relative to the connecting portion of the arbor in order to ensure
attachment of the hole to the arbor in the first engagement
position.
As shown in FIGS. 11-13, in order to attach the hole cutter 12 to
the arbor body 20, the protrusions 23 on the end portion 22 of the
arbor body 20 are aligned with the correspondingly-sized recesses
19 of the hole cutter aperture 16. Then, the hole cutter 12 is
slipped over the end portion 22 of the arbor body 20 (or vice
versa) until the end plate 14 of the hole cutter is adjacent to,
substantially in contact with, or in contact with the shoulder 28
of the arbor body 20 to thereby place the hole cutter and arbor
body in the first engagement position. As indicated above, in this
position, the lead male threads of the arbor body and lead female
threads of the hole cutter can engage upon rotating at least one
relative to the other. Then, the hole cutter 12 is rotated relative
to the arbor body 20 from the first engagement position to a second
engagement position (or the arbor body is rotated relative to the
hole cutter, or both the hole cutter and arbor body are rotated in
opposite directions) to, in turn, threadedly engage the male
threaded protrusions 23 of the end portion 22 of the arbor body
with the corresponding female threaded protrusions 17 of the hole
cutter, and thereby fixedly secure the hole cutter to the arbor
body.
In the illustrated embodiment, the male threads of the arbor body
protrusions 23 and the female threads of the hole cutter
protrusions 17 are configured (or "clocked") so that when the hole
cutter and/or arbor body is rotated from the first engagement
position to the second engagement position, the drive pins 36 of
the arbor and drive pin apertures 18 of the hole cutter are
substantially aligned in the second engagement position to, in
turn, allow the drive pins to be axially received within the drive
pin apertures and thereby further secure the hole cutter to the
arbor. In addition, the male and female threads of the protrusions
23 and 17, respectively, are preferably configured so that when the
hole cutter 12 and/or the arbor body 20 are rotated into the second
engagement position, the end plate 14 is in contact with, or
substantially in contact with the shoulder 28 of the arbor body to,
in turn, allow the shoulder to engage and further support the hole
cutter during use. In the illustrated embodiments of the present
invention, there is sufficient axial clearance between the male and
female threads of the protrusions 23 and 17, respectively, to allow
the end plate 14 of the hole cutter to contact or substantially
contact the shoulder 28 of the arbor body in the first engagement
position, and to allow the end plate 14 of the hole cutter to
remain in contact or substantial contact with the shoulder 28
during rotation between the first and second engagement positions,
so that in the second engagement position, the end plate 14 is in
contact with, or in substantial contact with the shoulder 28 of the
arbor body. During rotation between the first and second engagement
positions, the threads tend to drive the hole cutter 12 axially
inwardly toward the shoulder 28 (or vice versa) and thus
substantially eliminate or eliminate the axial clearance between
threads in the second engagement position.
As indicated above, one advantage of the currently preferred
embodiments of the present invention is that the threaded end
portion 22 of the arbor is threadedly engageable with either quick
change hole cutters or standard hole cutters. The combination of
threaded protrusions 23 on the end portion 22 of the arbor body 20
forms an interrupted, but continuous thread pattern for engaging
the female threads on a standard hole cutter as defined above
(e.g., either a 1/2-20 UNF-2B thread or a 5/8-18 UNF-2B thread,
depending on the outer diameter of the hole saw). Thus, in order to
attach a standard hole cutter to the arbor body, the threaded
aperture in the standard hole cutter cap is fitted over the
threaded end portion 22 of the arbor body, and at least one of the
hole cutter and arbor body is rotated relative to the other to
engage the threads. Then, the hole cutter and/or arbor is rotated
relative to the other to further engage the threads and, in turn,
axially move the end cap of the hole cutter into engagement with
the shoulder 28 of the arbor body (FIG. 7). In this position, if
the drive pins 36 are aligned with the drive pin apertures of the
standard hole cutter, then the drive pin plate is moved downwardly,
or allowed to move downwardly into engagement with the end plate on
the hole cutter to, in turn, receive the drive pins within the
drive pin apertures. If the drive pins and drive pin apertures are
not aligned in this position, then the hole saw is rotated and
backed away slightly from the shoulder 28 of the arbor until the
drive pin apertures and drive pins are aligned. When so aligned,
the drive pin plate is moved downwardly, or allowed to move
downwardly into engagement with the drive pin apertures to complete
the connection of the hole cutter to the arbor.
In the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the relative rotation of the hole cutter 12 and/or arbor 10 between
the first and second engagement positions is within the range of
about 10 degrees and about 180 degrees, is preferably within the
range of about 30 degrees and about 120 degrees, and is most
preferably within the range of about 40 degrees and about 100
degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the relative rotation
between the first and second engagement positions is about 45
degrees. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, these angular
ranges and angles are only exemplary, and numerous other angles
and/or angular ranges equally may be employed.
As shown typically in FIG. 28, the arbors and hole cutters of the
currently preferred embodiments of the present invention define
custom thread forms that allow the end portions of the arbors to be
threadedly engaged to both quick change hole cutters and standard
hole cutters; that allow the quick change hole cutters to engage or
substantially engage the shoulder of the arbor in both the first
and second engagement positions; and that are timed so that in the
second engagement position the drive pins of the arbor are aligned
or substantially aligned with the drive pin recesses of the hole
cutter. As indicated above, standard hole cutters having hole saw
diameters of 1 3/16 inches or less define a 1/2-20 UNF-2B thread
("small diameter" hole cutters), and standard hole cutters having
hole saw diameters of 11/4 inches or greater define a 5/8-18 UNF-2B
thread ("large diameter" hole cutters). Accordingly, the custom
thread forms of the currently preferred embodiments of the present
invention are based on these standard thread forms to allow
attachment of the arbor to hole cutters with such standard threads;
however, the custom thread forms also vary from the standard thread
forms in order to allow attachment of quick change hole cutters as
described. The currently preferred embodiments of the present
invention define a "1/2-20 custom thread" for relatively small
diameter hole cutters, and a "5/8-18 custom thread" for relatively
large diameter hole cutters. Each custom thread defines the same
thread height "H", pitch "P", and included angle ".cndot.", as the
respective standard thread form, but defines a different axial
clearance "a", root "R", and crest "C". In the illustrated
embodiments, the customer thread forms differ from the standard
thread forms as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Different Features Standard Thread Forms
Custom Thread Forms Root ("R") 0.25 P 0.25 P + a Crest ("C") 0.125
P 0.125 P - a Axial Clearance Not Specified, But a Negligible or
Approximately Zero
The minimum clearance "a" for each custom thread form is preferably
determined in accordance with the following formula:
a=((1/pitch)/360))*D, where D equals the degree of rotation between
the first and second engagement positions. For example, as
indicated in the table below, if the hole cutter includes two
threaded protrusions 17 (or "lobes"), it will rotate 90.degree.
between the first and second engagement positions; if the hole
cutter includes 3 lobes, it will rotate 60.degree. between the
first and second engagement positions; if the hole cutter includes
4 lobes, it will rotate 45.degree. between the first and second
engagement positions, etc. The minimum axial clearance "a" is set
to time the threads so that in the second engagement position the
drive pins are aligned or substantially aligned with the respective
drive pin recesses in the hole cutter to allow the drive pins to be
moved into the engaged position. The following table lists
exemplary minimum approximate clearances "a" for the 5/8-18 and
1/2-20 custom thread forms:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Minimum Minimum Angular Rotation Approximate
Approximate Number of Lobes Between First Clearance "a" for
Clearance "a" for (or curvilinear And Second 5/8-18 Custom 1/2-20
Custom threaded Engagement Thread Form Thread Form protrusions)
Positions (inches) (inches) 2 lobe 90.degree. 0.014 0.012
(square/rectangle) 3 lobe (triangle) 60.degree. 0.009 0.008 4 lobe
(cross) 45.degree. 0.007 0.006 5 lobe (pent) 36.degree. 0.006 0.005
6 lobe (hex) 30.degree. 0.005 0.004
As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art based on the teachings herein, these minimum clearances are
only exemplary, and numerous other clearances equally may be
employed. Preferably, the minimum clearance "a" is approximately as
defined above; however, if desired, the clearance may be greater
than the minimum as defined above. In some embodiments of the
present invention, the clearance is within the range of about 1 to
about 11/2a. If, for example, the clearance is greater than the
respective minimum clearance "a", the drive pins will be allowed to
move into the drive pins recesses when the hole cutter is located
in the second engagement position. If, on the other hand, the
clearance is too small such that the hole cutter cannot move into
the second engagement position and thus cannot move the drive pin
recesses into alignment with the drive pins, the hole cutter cannot
be properly attached to the arbor.
As shown best in FIGS. 4 and 16-17, the arbor 10 further includes a
pilot bit mechanism 40, at least a portion of which is housed in
the arbor body 20 and/or a housing in the drive pin plate 30. The
pilot bit mechanism 40 is designed to allow substantially automatic
and/or manual engagement and disengagement of both quick change and
standard pilot drill bits (FIGS. 18-19). In the illustrated
embodiment, the pilot bit mechanism 40 defines a quick change pilot
bit state, shown in FIG. 4, a standard pilot bit state, shown in
FIG. 16, and a neutral state shown in FIG. 17. In the quick change
pilot bit state shown in FIG. 4, the pilot bit mechanism 40 engages
a quick change pilot bit 64 to prevent movement of, and otherwise
releasably secure the bit to the arbor body 20; in the standard
pilot bit state shown in FIG. 16, the pilot bit mechanism 40
engages a standard pilot bit 66 to prevent movement of, and
otherwise releasably secure the bit to the arbor body 20; and in
the neutral state shown in FIG. 17, the pilot bit mechanism 40 is
disengaged from the respective quick change pilot bit 64 or
standard pilot bit 66 (whichever one is inserted in the pilot bit
aperture 29) to release, remove and/or replace the bit. As
described further below, the pilot bit mechanism 40 may include a
visual indicator that alerts a user when a standard pilot bit 66 is
inserted in the pilot bit aperture 29.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 16-17, the pilot bit mechanism 40 comprises
a pilot pin 41 (shown separately in FIGS. 8-9) movable between a
first position and a second position. The first position
corresponds with the quick change pilot bit state wherein the pilot
pin engages the quick change bit 64 (FIG. 4). The second position
corresponds with either the standard pilot bit or neutral states
wherein the pilot pin is either disengaged from the quick change
bit, as shown in FIG. 17, or positioned to allow a standard bit 66
to be inserted into the arbor body 20, as shown in FIG. 16. As
shown in FIG. 18, the quick change pilot bit 64 includes a shank
defining at least one pilot pin engaging feature 65 such as, for
example, a groove, recess, aperture, notch, indentation, external
boss or protrusion. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick change
bit 64 has a rectangular notch for engaging the pilot pin 41;
however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the quick change shank
may take the form of any of numerous different types of shapes, and
may include any of numerous different configurations or features
that are currently known or that later become known for engaging
the pilot pin. As shown best in FIG. 8, in order to universally
engage the various types of quick change pilot bit shanks that are
available, the pilot pin 41 has a substantially rounded tip 42. As
shown in FIGS. 4 and 16-17, the pilot bit mechanism 40 includes a
biasing member 43, such as a coil spring, that biases the pilot pin
42 into the first position in engagement with a pilot bit received
within the pilot bit aperture 29.
As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 16-17, the pilot bit mechanism 40
further comprises a fastener 48 movable between a first position
(FIG. 4) disengaged from a pilot bit received within the pilot bit
aperture 29, and a second position engaged with either a quick
change 64 or standard pilot bit 66 received within the pilot bit
aperture 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 48 is a
set screw; however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the fastener
may take the form of any of numerous other types of fasteners that
are currently known, or that later become known for releasable
securing the inserted pilot bit.
The pilot bit mechanism 40 further comprises a shear pin or ball 46
that is disposed at least partially within a ball receiving
aperture 39 defined in the drive pin plate 30. The ball 46 is
movable between a first position, wherein the ball 46 outwardly
protrudes from the ball receiving aperture 39 when the pilot bit
mechanism 40 is in the quick change pilot bit or standard pilot bit
states, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 16, and a second position, wherein
the ball 46 is substantially retained within the ball receiving
aperture 39 when the pilot bit mechanism 40 is in the neutral
state, as shown in FIG. 17. A biasing member 47 biases the ball 46
into the first position. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing
members 38, 43 and 47 are coil springs; however, as may be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on
the teachings herein, the biasing members may take the form of any
of numerous different types of biasing members that are currently
known, or that later become known, such as any of numerous
different types of springs or other components.
As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 16-17, the pilot bit mechanism 40
further comprises a shear plate 44 defining an aperture 45 for
receiving therein the pilot pin 41 and/or ball 46 depending on the
state of the pilot bit mechanism. The shear plate 44 is movable
between a first position corresponding to the quick change pilot
bit state shown in FIG. 4, and a second position corresponding to
the standard pilot bit and neutral states of the pilot bit
mechanism 40 shown in FIGS. 16-17.
The interaction between the shear pin 41, shear plate 44, ball 46,
drive pin plate 30 and pilot bit (quick change bit 64 or standard
bit 66) define the three states of the pilot bit mechanism. Other
components of the arbor 10 may also play a role in defining the
states the pilot bit mechanism; however, attention will be focused
on the above-mentioned components. Referring to FIG. 17, the
neutral state of the pilot bit mechanism 40 is shown. From the
neutral state, the pilot bit mechanism 40 can move into either the
quick change pilot bit state (FIG. 4) or the standard pilot bit
state (FIG. 16) depending on the type of pilot bit being used (i.e.
quick change bit 64 or standard bit 66). As noted above, the pilot
bit mechanism 40 is disengaged from the pilot bit while in the
neutral state, which allows for the removal or insertion of any
type of pilot bit. In the neutral state, the drive pin plate 30 is
in its respective second or disengaged position (FIGS. 14B and 17).
In this position, the pilot pin aperture 31, the shear plate
aperture 45 and the ball receiving aperture 39 are substantially
aligned, allowing the pilot pin 41 and ball 46 to move freely
between their respective first and second positions depending on
the type of pilot bit inserted into the pilot bit aperture 29.
If a quick change pilot bit 64 is inserted into the pilot bit
aperture 29, and with the drive pin plate 30 in its second or
disengaged position (FIG. 17), the pilot bit mechanism 40 is
positioned to transform from the neutral state to the quick change
pilot bit state to engage the quick change pilot bit 64. In the
quick change pilot bit state, shown in FIG. 4, the pilot pin 41 is
biased inwardly by its associated biasing member 43 into the recess
65 of the quick change pilot bit 64 to secure the bit 64;
accordingly, the ball 46 is biased inwardly by its associated
biasing member 47 into the shear plate aperture 45, so that the
ball 46 engages the shear plate 44. With the ball 46 engaging the
shear plate 44, the position of the shear plate 44 is fixed
relative to the drive pin plate 30 so that any movement of the
drive pin plate 30 between its first and second positions causes
the shear plate 44 to move between its first and second positions.
To enter the quick change pilot bit state from the neutral state,
the drive pin plate 30 must be moved from its second position
(FIGS. 14B and 17) to its first position (FIGS. 4 and 14A), which,
in turn, causes the shear plate 44 to move from its second position
(FIG. 17) to its first position (FIG. 4). Once in its first
position, the shear plate 44 prevents outward movement of the pilot
pin 41 to thereby releasably lock the pilot pin 41 in engagement
with the quick change pilot bit 64 and secure the bit in the pilot
bit aperture 29.
If a standard pilot bit 66 is inserted into the pilot bit aperture
29, and with the drive pin plate 30 in its second position (FIG.
17), the pilot bit mechanism 40 is positioned to transform from the
neutral state to the standard pilot bit state to engage the
standard pilot bit 66. In the standard pilot bit state, shown in
FIG. 16, the standard pilot bit 66 having been inserted into pilot
bit aperture 29 maintains the pilot pin 41 in its second position
so that a portion of the pilot pin 41 is seated within the shear
plate aperture 45. In this position, the pilot pin 41 engages the
shear plate 44 so that the axial position of the shear plate 44 is
fixed relative to the arbor body 20. To enter the standard pilot
bit state from the neutral state, the drive pin plate 30 must be
moved from its second position (FIGS. 14B and 17) to its first
position (FIGS. 14A and 16). However, in contrast to the quick
change pilot bit state, the shear plate 44 will not move from its
second position to its first position when the drive pin plate 30
is moved; instead, the shear plate 44 will remain in its second
position as a result of being engaged by the pilot pin 41. In the
standard pilot bit state, the ball 46 is biased into contact with
the outer surface of the shear plate 44 further preventing the
shear plate 44 from moving out of its second position. To fully
secure the standard pilot bit 66, the fastener 48 is moved into
engagement with the pilot bit 66 to secure the bit within the bit
aperture 29, which in turn, maintains the pilot pin 41, shear plate
44 and ball 46 in their respective positions associated with the
standard pilot bit state (FIG. 16) as described above. In one
embodiment, in the standard pilot bit state, an end of the shear
plate 44 protrudes visibly outwardly to provide a visual indication
that a standard pilot bit is being used, and thus functions as
visual alert to the user to manually engage the fastener 48 and, in
turn, fixedly secure the standard pilot bit.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 12, the arbor 10 further comprises a
collar 50. The collar 50 defines a peripheral, axially-extending
side wall 52, a bore 53 formed on the inner side of the side wall
52, and an expanded recess 55 formed on the inner end of the bore
for receiving therein the drive pin plate 30 that is fixedly
secured or coupled thereto. The collar 50 is movable between first
and second positions corresponding to the engaged and disengaged
positions of the drive pin plate 30, respectively, so that movement
of the collar from the first to the second position substantially
simultaneously moves the drive pin plate 30 from the engaged to the
disengaged position. The inner bore 53 of the collar 50 and the
body portion 26 of the arbor body 20 define an annular,
axially-extending compartment 56 for receiving and supporting
therein the first biasing member 38 which, in the illustrated
embodiment, is a coil spring, which biases the drive pin plate (and
collar) towards the engaged position.
As shown best in FIG. 12, in the illustrated embodiment the collar
is an elongated member defining a spool-like or diabolo shape. More
specifically, the collar 50 defines an upper (distal) portion 57
defining a first laterally-extending diameter D1 and an outer
surface 67, a middle portion 58 defining a second
laterally-extending diameter D2 and an outer surface 68, and a
lower (proximal) portion 59 defining a third laterally-extending
diameter D3 and an outer surface 69. However, as may be recognized
by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the
teachings herein, the collar 50 can take on of any of numerous
different shapes and configurations that are currently known or
that later become known, and thus, is not limited to the spool-like
or diabolo shape shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the first
laterally-extending diameter D1 is approximately the same as the
third laterally-extending diameter D3, and the second
laterally-extending diameter D2 is smaller than the first and
second laterally extending diameters, thus forming the spool-like
or diabolo shape. An advantage of this shape is that it provides an
improved manually engageable surface that facilitates handling
during use by permitting the user to grasp the middle portion 58 of
the collar 50 with, for example, an index finger and thumb of one
hand, when moving the collar 50 to attach or remove a hole cutter
12. It should be noted that although the laterally-extending
diameters of the upper and lower portions are approximately the
same in the illustrated embodiment, in some embodiments the
laterally extending diameters may differ; although such diameters
preferably remain greater than the laterally-extending diameter of
the middle portion.
In one embodiment of the invention, the axial length of the collar
50 is between about 1/22 inch to about 13/8 inches, and in an
exemplary embodiment, the axial length of the collar 50 is about
11/5 inches. Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the
axial length of the upper portion of the collar is between about
1/6 inch to about 1/2 inch, the axial length of the middle portion
of the collar is between about 1/4 inch to about 3/4 inch, and the
axial length of the lower portion of the collar is between about
1/6 inch to about 1/2 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial
length of the upper portion is about 1/3 inch, the axial length of
the middle portion is about inch, and the axial length of the lower
portion is about 1/5 inch.
It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the outer
surfaces 67, 68, 69 of the respective upper, middle and lower
portions 57, 58, 59 are substantially planar and substantially
parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the arbor body 20.
Further, it should be noted that the upper and lower portions of
the collar 50 do not directly abut the middle portion; rather,
intermediate portions 71, 73 reside between the upper portion 57
and the middle portion 58 and the lower portion 59 and the middle
portion 58 respectively. The intermediate portions 71, 73 define
surfaces 75, 77 that slope towards the central longitudinal axis of
the arbor body--i.e., the surfaces 75, 77 slope in a direction from
the upper and lower portions of the collar 57,59 toward the middle
portion 58 of the collar. However, as may be recognized by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein,
the upper, middle and lower portions 57, 58, 59 of the collar 50
can take on any of numerous different configurations that are
currently known or that later become known; for example, the middle
portion could include a plurality of axially spaced ribs, or any of
the upper, middle and lower portions could take on an arcuate,
curvilinear or sloped configuration. Additionally, the upper and
lower portions could directly abut the middle portion without the
inclusion of the intermediate portions, or the intermediate
portions could take on any of numerous different configurations
that are currently known or that later become known; for example,
the intermediate portions could take on an arcuate or curvilinear
configuration. Further, as may be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the
collar 50 and drive pin plate 30 can be integrated into a single
component that can take on a diabolo configuration as defined
above, or can take on any of numerous different configurations that
are currently known or that later become known; for example, the
single collar/drive pin plate component could take on a cylindrical
shape having the same laterally extending diameter throughout.
As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 12, the arbor 10 includes a retaining
clip or ring 60 connectable to a groove 62 formed in the body
portion 26 of the arbor body 20, a bushing 61 that engages on its
end surface the clip 60, and slidably engages on its outer surface
the bore 53 of the collar 50 to guide the axial movement of the
collar and drive pin plate between the first engaged (FIGS. 4 and
14A) and second disengaged (FIG. 14B) positions. As can be seen,
the first biasing member 38 is axially fitted between the bushing
60 and the inner end of the drive pin plate 30 to normally bias the
drive pin plate (and collar) outwardly into the first engaged
position. As described further below, a user can manually engage
the collar 50 to retract the collar against the bias of the first
biasing member 38 into the disengaged position and can, in turn,
release the collar to allow the first biasing member to drive the
collar and drive pin plate from the disengaged to an engaged
position. Alternatively, for one-handed attachment, a user can
press the hole cutter cap 14 against the drive pin plate 30 to, in
turn, correspondingly compress the coil spring 38 and place the
hole cutter against the shoulder 28 of the arbor in the first
engagement position. Then, upon rotating the hole cutter with the
same hand from the first engagement position into the second
engagement position, the coil spring automatically drives the drive
pin plate 30 into the engaged position with the drive pins 36
received within the drive pin apertures of the hole cutter to
complete attachment of the hole cutter to the arbor.
Having thus described the arbor 10 and its components, attention
will now be drawn to a method of attaching and removing hole
cutters and pilot drill bits to and from the arbor, respectively.
With the drive shank 24 of the arbor 10 inserted and engaged by the
chuck of a driving tool, such as a drill (not shown) or, prior to
insertion and engagement with the tool, the end user aligns the
hole cutter aperture 16 with the end portion 22 of the arbor. If a
quick change hole cutter is used, the hole cutter recesses 19 are
aligned with the arbor body protrusions 23 as shown, for example,
in FIG. 11. Once in alignment, the hole cutter is fitted onto the
end portion 22 of the arbor body 20 such that the arbor body
protrusions 23 are received within the corresponding hole cutter
recesses 19, and the base of the hole cutter 14 rests on or about
the stop surface 28. During this step, the user substantially
simultaneously moves the drive pin plate 30 from the first position
to the second position and compresses the first biasing member 28
as shown, for example, in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 13, the hole
cutter is then rotated from the first engagement position to the
second engagement position such that the hole cutter protrusions 17
threadedly engage the respective arbor body protrusions 23 and, in
turn, releasably secure the hole cutter to the arbor body. When the
hole cutter and arbor body are in the second engagement position,
the drive pin apertures 18 of the hole cutter are substantially
aligned with the respective drive pins 36 of the drive pin plate
30, thereby allowing the first biasing member 38 to automatically
drive the drive pin plate from the second position (FIG. 14B) to
the first position (FIG. 14A) and, in turn, drive the drive pins 36
into the corresponding drive pin apertures 18 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 15. With the drive pins 36 fully received into the
corresponding drive pin apertures 18, the hole cutter 12 is fully
engaged and attached to the arbor as shown, for example, in FIG.
4.
If a standard hole cutter (not shown) is used, the end user aligns
the hole cutter aperture with the end portion 22 of the arbor body
20 fitting the hole cutter thereupon, such that the hole cutter
aperture threadedly engages the threads on the arbor protrusions
23. Like the quick change hole cutter, the standard hole cutter is
then rotated to threadedly attach the hole cutter to the end
portion of the arbor and receive the drive pins into the
corresponding drive pin apertures of the hole cutter. Depending on
the threads, the standard hole cutter may not engage or may not
fully engage the shoulder or stop surface of the arbor when
attached to the arbor; however, since the drive pins drive the hole
cutter it is not always necessary that the hole cutter cap engage
the stop surface of the arbor.
To attach a quick change pilot bit 64, the drive pin plate 30 is
moved from the first position engaging the hole cutter 12 to the
second position disengaged from the hole cutter 12 by at least one
of: (i) grasping and physically moving the drive pin plate 30, and
(ii) pressing downward on the drive pin plate 30 through engagement
with the hole cutter 12 during the step of fitting the hole cutter
onto the end portion of the arbor body (FIG. 12). The quick change
pilot bit 64 is then inserted into the pilot bit aperture 29. As
the pilot bit 64 is being inserted, the pilot pin 41 moves from the
first position to the second position, wherein the pilot pin 41
slides into the pilot pin aperture 31 formed in the arbor body 20
and at least a portion of the pilot pin 41 enters the shear plate
aperture 45 (see, for example, FIG. 17). This allows the pilot pin
41 to exit the pilot bit aperture 29, thereby enabling full
insertion of the pilot bit 64. Substantially simultaneously, the
ball or pin 46 moves from the first position to the second
position. In the second position, the ball 46 at least partially
exits the shear plate aperture 45 and at least partially enters the
ball receiving aperture 39 formed in the drive pin plate 30.
Once the quick change pilot bit 64 is substantially fully inserted
into the pilot bit aperture 29, and the pilot pin 41 is in
alignment with the quick change feature 65 of the pilot bit 64, the
biasing member 43 returns the pilot pin 41 to the first position
such that the pilot pin 41 engages the respective quick change
feature 65 of the bit 64 and prevents movement of the quick change
pilot bit 64 relative to the arbor body. With the pilot pin 41
engaging the quick change pilot bit 64, the biasing member 47
returns the ball 46 to the first position. In the first position, a
portion of the ball 46 is received by the shear plate aperture 45
and engages the shear plate 44, while a portion of the ball remains
in the shear pin aperture 31 of the arbor body 20. To fully secure
the pilot bit 64, the drive pin plate 30 is then moved from the
second position to the first position engaging the hole cutter by
at least one of: (i) releasing the drive pin plate 30, and (ii)
during the step of rotating the hole cutter, allowing the drive pin
plate 30 to move when the drive pin apertures 18 align with the
corresponding drive pins 36. As the drive pin plate 30 moves, the
shear plate 44 substantially simultaneously moves from the second
position to the first position. In the first position, the shear
plate 44 locks the pilot pin 41 into engagement with the quick
change pilot bit 64, and thereby prevents the pilot bit from moving
out of the first position as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.
To attach a standard pilot bit 65, as with a quick change pilot
bit, the drive pin plate 30 is moved from the first position
engaging the hole cutter to the second position disengaged from the
hole cutter by at least one of: (i) grasping and physically moving
the drive pin plate 30, and (ii) pressing downward on the drive pin
plate 30 through engagement with the hole cutter 12 during the step
of fitting the hole cutter onto the end portion of the arbor body
(FIG. 12). The standard pilot bit 66 is then inserted into the
pilot bit aperture 29. As the pilot bit 66 is inserted, the pilot
pin 41 moves from the first position to the second position. In the
second position, the pilot pin 41 slides into the pilot pin
aperture 31 in the arbor body 20 and at least a portion of the
pilot pin 41 enters the shear plate aperture 45 and engages the
shear plate 44 (see FIG. 16), thereby allowing the pilot pin 41 to
exit the pilot pin aperture 29 and enabling full insertion of the
standard pilot bit 66. Substantially simultaneously, the ball 46
moves from the first position to the second position. In the second
position, the ball 46 exits the shear plate aperture 45 and enters
the ball receiving aperture 39 in the drive pin plate 30.
Once the standard pilot bit 66 is substantially fully inserted into
the pilot bit aperture 29, the drive pin plate 30 is then moved
from the second position to the first position engaging the hole
cutter by at least one of: (i) releasing the drive pin plate 30,
and (ii) during the step of rotating the hole cutter, causing the
drive pin plate 30 to move when the drive pin apertures 18 align
with the corresponding drive pins 36. As the drive pin plate 30
moves, the shear plate 44 remains in the second position due to
engagement with the pilot pin 41, which in turn, causes the ball 46
to partially extend outwardly from the ball receiving aperture 47
and into engagement with the shear plate 44 to further maintain the
shear plate 44 in the second position. In one embodiment (not
shown), the shear plate 44 visually protrudes from behind the drive
pin plate 30 to alert the user to use the fastener 48 to engage the
standard pilot pit 66, which occurs when the drive pin plate 30 is
in the first position and the shear plate 44 in the second
position. To fully secure the standard pilot bit 66 in the arbor
10, the user moves the fastener 48 from the first position to the
second position, thereby engaging the pilot bit 66 and preventing
movement thereof relative to the arbor body.
If desired, a user may employ the fastener 48 to secure a quick
change pilot bit 64 in addition to the securement provided by the
pilot bit mechanism 40. As may be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the order
in which the respective hole cutter and pilot bit are mounted is
inconsequential; rather, the hole cutter may be mounted before the
pilot bit, after the pilot bit, or at about the same time as the
pilot bit. Additionally, if desired, the arbor can be used with the
hole cutter only (no pilot bit) or with the pilot bit only (no hole
cutter).
In FIGS. 20 and 21 another arbor embodying the invention is
indicated generally by the reference number 110. The arbor 110 is
substantially similar to the arbor 10 described above in connection
with FIGS. 1-19, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by
the numeral "1" are used to indicate like elements. The primary
difference of the arbor 110 in comparison to the arbor 10 described
above, is that the arbor 110 does not include a collar 50 and
biasing member 38 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3 above), but rather
includes a nut 150 that threadedly engages the body portion 126 of
the arbor body 120, and an o-ring 151 extending annularly about the
body portion between the nut 150 and drive pin plate 130. The nut
150 is movable axially over the body portion 126 by rotating the
nut to, in turn, move the nut between a first position spaced away
from a hole cutter (not shown) attached to the connecting portion
122, as shown typically in FIGS. 20 and 21, and a second position
engaging the drive pin plate 130 with the drive pins 136 received
within the drive pin apertures of a hole saw to fixedly secure the
drive pin plate to the hole saw (not shown). The o-ring 151
operates as a buffer between the nut 150 and drive pin plate 130
and otherwise allows a user to manually grip and turn the nut into
engagement with the drive pin plate, and to manually grip and
release the nut from the drive pin plate. In the illustrated
embodiments, the nut 150 and the collar 50 prevent the drive pin
plates 30, 130 from slipping off the rearward end of the arbor body
20, 120, and the threaded protrusions 23, 123 prevent the drive pin
plates from slipping off the front end of the arbor body when not
in use. As may be recognized by those or ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the arbors may include
any of numerous different components that are currently known or
that later become known for axially engaging the opposite side of
the drive pin plate relative to the hole cutter to secure the axial
position of the drive pin plate during use and/or to prevent the
drive pin plate from slipping off the arbor body.
In FIGS. 22-23 an adapter for connecting relatively small hole
cutters to the arbors of the invention is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 70. The adapter 70 defines an adapter
aperture 72 extending through an approximately central region
thereof, a plurality of angularly extending protrusions 74 that
project radially into the aperture 72 and are angularly spaced
relative to each other about the periphery of the aperture, and a
plurality of angularly extending recesses 76 formed between the
protrusions 74. The protrusions 74 are threaded with a thread
configuration that corresponds to and is engageable with the
threaded portions 23, 123 of the end portions 22, 122 of the arbors
10, 110 for threadedly engaging the adapter to the arbors. The
external periphery of the adapter 70 defines a plurality of
curvilinear recesses 78 therein that are angularly spaced relative
to each other about the external periphery, and are positioned
relative to each other such that each recess 78 corresponds in
position to, and receives therein a respective drive pin 36, 136 of
the arbors when the adapter is attached to the arbor. The
curvilinear shape of each recess 78 substantially conforms to the
external shape of the respective drive pin to securely engage the
respective drive pin and minimize any play therebetween. The
underside of the adapter 70 includes a threaded boss 80 that is
received within the threaded aperture on a hole cutter (not shown)
to fixedly secure the hole cutter to the adapter. Accordingly, the
adapter allows relatively small hole cutters that do not have drive
pin apertures, or that do not have drive pin apertures that match
the pattern of, or that otherwise are configured to receive the
drive pins of the arbors.
In operation, the adapter 70 is attached to the hole saw by
threadedly attaching the boss 80 to the hole saw. The assembled
adapter and hole saw are attached to the arbor by inserting the
threaded protrusions 23, 123 of the arbor end portion 22, 122 into
the recesses 76 of the adapter to define the first engagement
position. Then, at least one of the adapter/hole cutter assembly
and arbor is rotated relative to the other to rotatably move from
the first engagement position to the second engagement position. In
the second engagement position, the protrusions 74 of the adapter
threadedly engage the protrusions 23, 123 of the arbor to secure
the adapter/hole cutter assembly to the arbor. When the
adapter/hole cutter assembly and arbor are in the second engagement
position, the drive pins are moved axially into the curvilinear
recesses 78 to further prevent any relative rotational movement of
the adapter and arbor during use and to rotatably drive the hole
cutter. If desired, the axial depth of the adapter may be set so
that the inner surface of the adapter engages the drive pin plate
in the second engagement position. Also if desired, the threads on
the threaded protrusions may define an axial clearance as described
above in order to facilitate maintaining contact between the
adapter and arbor shoulder 28, 128 in the first and second
engagement positions.
In FIGS. 24-27 another arbor embodying the present invention is
indicated generally by the reference number 210. The arbor 210 is
substantially similar to the arbors 10, 110 described above, and
therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "2", or
preceded by the numeral "2" instead of the numeral "1", are used to
indicate like elements. The primary difference of the arbor 210 in
comparison to the arbor 10 described above, is that the arbor 210
does not include a biasing member 38 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3
above) for biasing the drive pin plate 230 in the direction from
the second disengaged position, where the drive pin plate 230 is
disengaged from the hole cutter, to the first engaged position,
where the drive pin plate engages the hole cutter. Rather, the
drive pin plate 230 is manually moved between the engaged and
disengaged positions without the aid of a biasing member, and is
maintained in the first engaged position by a retaining member 280.
In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member is a ball
detent mechanism, which includes a ball 284 which is movable
between a retracted position and an extended position, and a
biasing member 286, such as a coil spring. The biasing member 286
biases the detent member 284 in the extended position. The ball
detent 280 is housed within an aperture 282 defined in the drive
pin plate 230. The aperture 282 extends radially between the drive
pin plate aperture 232 and the outer surface of the drive pin plate
230. A set-screw 288 is threaded into the aperture 282 to provide a
backing surface against which the spring 286 can compress and serve
as a mechanism for adjusting the tension in the spring 286. As may
be recognized by those or ordinary skill in the pertinent art based
on the teachings herein, the components of the ball detent
mechanism may be substituted by any of numerous different
components that are currently known or that later become known so
long as the detent mechanism is able to secure the axial position
of the drive pin plate relative to the arbor body during use and/or
to prevent the drive pin plate from slipping out of engagement with
the hole cutter. As may be recognized by those or ordinary skill in
the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the retaining
member 280 can be of any of numerous types of retaining members
that are currently known or that later become known to secure the
axial position of the drive pin plate relative to the arbor body
during use and/or to prevent the drive pin plate from slipping out
of engagement with the hole cutter.
Referring to FIG. 25, the arbor body 220 defines a groove 290
located about the perimeter of the arbor body 220 towards the end
portion 222. The groove 290 defines a first surface that is curved
and/or angled towards the drive shank 224 and a second surface 294
that is substantially straight or substantially parallel to the end
surface 233 of the connecting end portion 222. The groove 290 is
configured in this manner to allow rearward movement of the drive
pin plate 230 from the first engaged position to the second
disengaged position, and to prevent further forward movement of the
drive pin plate 230 beyond the first engaged position. As noted
above, the ball 284 is movable between a retracted position and an
extended position. In the extended position shown in FIG. 27, a
portion of the ball 284 is seated within the groove 290 and portion
of the ball is seated within the aperture 282, thereby securing the
drive pin plate 230 axially in its first engaged position relative
to the arbor body 220 to maintain engagement with the hole cutter.
In the retracted position, the ball 284 is recessed within the
aperture 282, allowing the drive pin plate 230 to move axially over
the arbor body 220 and disengage from the hole cutter.
Although not shown in the drawings, the drive pin plate 230 can
define a spool-like or diabolo configuration as described above,
with the same or approximately the same dimensions. Further, the
drive pin plate can be elongated axially (with or without defining
a spool-like diabolo shape) to define an axially elongated bearing
surface between the drive pin plate 230 and the arbor body 220 to
reduce or prevent unwanted movement or play between the drive pin
plate and arbor body.
In operation, with the drive pin plate 230 in the first engaged
position (see FIGS. 24 and 27) and engaging a hole cutter (not
shown), a user grasps and manually moves the drive pin plate 30
rearward towards the drive shank 24 As the drive pin plate 230
begins to move, the ball 284 is forced against the curved and/or
angled surface 292 of the groove 290 and, as the drive pin plate
continues its rearward movement, the ball is forced out of the
groove and into its retracted position within the aperture. With
the ball in its retracted position, the pilot pin plate 230 is
moved to its second position disengaging the hole cutter and
allowing removal of the hole cutter. If a user decides to re-attach
the hole cutter, or attach a replacement hole cutter, the cutter is
threaded onto the end portion 222 of the arbor body 220 as
described above. The user then grasps and manually moves the drive
pin plate 230 in the forward direction away from the drive shank
224 until the aperture 282 is substantially aligned with the groove
290. As this occurs, the spring 286 biases the ball 284 into its
extended position, thereby securing the axial position of the drive
pin plate 230 relative to the arbor body 220 and into engagement
with the hole cutter.
Referring now to FIGS. 29-32, another arbor embodying the present
invention is indicated generally by the reference number 310. The
arbor 310 is substantially similar to the arbor 210 described
above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the
numeral "3" instead of the numerals "2" are used to indicate like
elements. A primary difference of the arbor 310 in comparison to
the arbor 210 is that in the arbor 310 the drive pin plate is
replaced by an axially-elongated collar 350. The arbor 310
comprises an axially-elongated arbor body 320 including a drive
shank 324 on one end thereof, a threaded portion 322 on an opposite
end thereof relative to the drive shank 324 that is engageable with
the threaded aperture on the hole cutter (not shown), and an inner
axially-extending bearing surface 327 located between the drive
shank 324 and the threaded portion 322. The arbor body 320 further
defines a first width W, which in the illustrated embodiment is a
diameter, along the inner axially-extending bearing surface
327.
As shown in FIGS. 29, 31 and 32, the arbor 320 further comprises
the aforementioned axially-elongated collar 350, which includes an
upper or distal end 397, a lower or proximal end 399, and a middle
portion 358 defining a manually engageable surface 368 extending
axially between the proximal and distal ends. The middle portion
358 defines a reduced width or diameter D2 in comparison to the
respective width or diameters D1, D3 of the proximal and distal
ends. The collar 350 further includes a drive member, which in the
illustrated embodiment is a pair of angularly spaced drive pins
336, extending axially from the distal end 397 of the collar 350.
The collar 350 is slidably mounted on the arbor body 320 and
movable between: (i) an engaged position with the distal end 397 of
the collar 350 adjacent to the threaded portion 322 for engaging
the drive member 336 with the drive member aperture of a hole
cutter threadedly attached to the threaded portion 322 of the arbor
body 320, and (ii) a disengaged position with the distal end 397 of
the collar 350 axially spaced relative to the threaded portion 322
of the arbor body 320. The collar 350 further defines an outer
axially-extending bearing surface 363 that slidably contacts the
inner axially-extending bearing surface 327 of the arbor body 320
when moving the collar between the engaged and disengaged
positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner
axially-extending bearing surface 327 defines a length L that is at
least about 11/4 times the first width W of the arbor body; and
preferably the axially-extending bearing surface defines a length L
that is at least about 11/2 times the first width W of the arbor
body.
In the illustrated embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 31-32, the arbor
body 320 defines a pair of inner axially-extending bearing surfaces
327, 327' angularly spaced relative to each other, and a pair of
inner curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces 385, 385'
angularly spaced relative to each other between the inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces 327, 327'. Additionally, the
collar 350 defines a pair of outer axially-extending bearing
surfaces 363, 363' angularly spaced relative to each other, and a
pair of outer curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces 389,
389' angularly spaced relative to each other between the outer
axially-extending bearing surfaces 363, 363'. The pair of inner
axially-extending bearing surfaces 327, 327' slidably engage the
pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces 363, 363', and the
pair of inner curvilinear axially-extending bearing surfaces 385,
385' slidably engage the pair of outer curvilinear
axially-extending bearing surfaces 389, 389', when moving the
collar 350 between the engaged and disengaged positions. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pair of inner axially-extending bearing
surfaces 377, 327' are substantially flat and are located on
substantially opposite sides of the arbor body 320 relative to each
other, and the pair of outer axially-extending bearing surfaces
363, 363' are substantially flat and are located on substantially
opposite sides of the collar 350 relative to each other. However,
as may be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the
teachings herein, surfaces 327, 327', 363, 363' can take on any of
numerous different configurations that are currently known or that
later become known; for example, the surfaces could include a
plurality of mating protrusions and recesses, and the surfaces need
not be located on substantially opposite sides of the arbor body
and collar respectively.
In the illustrated embodiment, each curvilinear axially-extending
bearing surface 385, 385', 389, 389' is defined by a diameter of
the collar 350 or arbor body 320, respectively. Also in the
illustrated embodiment, the outer axially-extending bearing
surfaces 363, 363' are shorter than the inner axially-extending
bearing surfaces 327, 327'. The collar 350 defines a pair of
axially-extending recessed surfaces 391, 391' located on
substantially opposite sides of the collar relative to each other,
and each recessed surface 391, 391' extends between a respective
axially-extending bearing surface 363, 363' and the proximal end
399 of the collar. The collar 350 further defines a pair of first
stop surfaces 393, 393'. Each first stop surface 393, 393' is
formed between an axially-extending recessed surface 391, 391' and
a respective outer axially-extending bearing surface 363, 363'.
Additionally, the arbor body 320 defines a pair of second stop
surfaces 395, 395'. Each second stop surface 395, 395' is formed at
a proximal end of a respective inner axially-extending bearing
surface 327, 327'. The first and second stop surfaces are
configured to engage each other when the collar 350 is in the
disengaged position to prevent further proximal axial movement of
the collar 350. The second stop surfaces 395, 395' are defined by
respective lips 396, 396' formed on the arbor body 320, and the
lips 396, 396' and recessed surfaces 391, 391' form bearing
surfaces that slidably contact each other when moving the collar
350 between the engaged and disengaged positions.
As shown in FIG. 29, the collar 350 further defines a distal rim
357 at the distal end 397 of the collar, a proximal rim 359 at the
proximal end 399 of the collar, and an annular manually engageable
surface 368 extending between the proximal and distal rims. In the
illustrated embodiment, the distal and proximal rims 357, 359 are
defined by a first diameter (D1 or D3), and the manually engageable
surface 368 is defined by a second diameter D2 that is less than
the first diameter (D1 or D3). Preferably, the second diameter D2
is within the range of about 70% to about 95% of the first diameter
(D1 or D3); and most preferably, the second diameter D2 is within
the range of about 80% to about 90% of the first diameter (D1 or
D3). Also in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal and distal
rims are substantially defined by the first diameter (i.e. D1
equals D3). As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based on the teachings herein, these dimensions, and
the specific shapes and configurations illustrated are only
exemplary, and may be changes as desired or otherwise required.
As shown in FIG. 29, the manually engageable surface 368 defines an
axial length L2, and the proximal and distal rims each define an
axial length (L1 and L3, respectively), and the axial length of the
manually engageable surface L2 is greater than the axial length of
each of the proximal and distal rims L1, L3. Preferably, the axial
length L2 of the manually engageable surface is about 30% to about
60% greater than the axial length of each of the proximal and
distal rims L1, L3.
Drawing attention to FIGS. 30 and 31, the arbor 310 further
comprises a retaining member 380 mounted on the collar 350 and
movable between (i) a first position holding the collar 350 in the
engaged position, and (ii) a second position allowing axial
movement of the collar 350 from the engaged position to the
disengaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining
member 380 is a ball detent mechanism similar to the mechanism 280
described above. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the
retaining member 380 can be of any of numerous different types of
retaining members that are currently known or that later become
known to retain the axial position of the collar 350 relative to
the arbor body 320 and/or to prevent the collar 350 from slipping
out of engagement with the hole cutter (not shown) during use.
As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and
modifications may be made to the above-described and other
embodiments of the present invention without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For
example, the components of the arbor may take on any of numerous
different configurations, or may be formed of any of numerous
different materials, that are currently known, or that later become
known; any of a variety of the disclosed components may be
eliminated, or additional components or features may be added; and
the arbors may be used with any of numerous different types of
tools that are currently known, or that later become known. For
example, the retaining members may can be of any of numerous
different types that are currently known or that later become
known, such as, for example, cylindrical or tapered drive pins,
that engage corresponding apertures on a hole cutter, or drive dogs
defining flats that engage corresponding apertures or recesses on
the hole cutter. Similarly, the drive pin apertures or recesses can
take any of numerous different configurations for receiving or
otherwise engaging any of numerous different types of drive
members. The drive pin member or plate can likewise can take any of
numerous different configurations, including, for example, a plate
form or a circular or other shaped collar or housing that is
movable relative to the arbor body and includes one or more drive
pins. The threads on the arbor connecting portion and/or on the
central aperture of the hole cutter can take the form of the
standard or timed threads (or combinations thereof) as described
above, or can take the form of any of numerous different thread
configurations that are currently known, or that later become
known. Alternatively, the connecting portion and/or central
aperture of the hole cutter may define a structure other than
threads for engaging the hole cutter to the arbor upon moving the
arbor and/or hole cutter relative to the other between the first
and second engagement positions. Furthermore, as may be recognized
by those or ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the
teachings herein, the retaining member can be of any of numerous
types of retaining members that are currently known or that later
become known to secure or otherwise return the axial position of
the drive pin plate and/or collar relative to the arbor body during
use and/or to prevent the drive pin plate and/or collar from
slipping out of engagement with the hole cutter; additionally, more
than one retaining member could be employed. Accordingly, this
detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to
be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.
* * * * *