US20170120412A1

US20170120412A1 - Cutting tool assembly

Info

Publication number: US20170120412A1
Application number: US14/925,362
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrei Matei
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-28
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

A cutting tool assembly can include a handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can include a handle portion, a driving motor, a switch, and a rotatable shaft projecting out of the handle portion and configured to receive a cutting disc. The rotatable shaft can be driven by the driving motor. The cutting tool assembly can also include a first post extending from a first lateral side of the handle portion and a second post extending from a second lateral side of the handle portion. The cutting tool assembly can also include a base plate having a first channel and a second channel. The channels can be sized to receive the posts for sliding engagement.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to rotary, handheld tools.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,159 discloses a PORTABLE, DIRECT DRIVE ABRASIVE SAW. The portable, direct drive abrasive saw is for cutting ceramic tile, bricks, masonry blocks, metal, refractory, or other work comprising a base pan of an electrically insulative, synthetic resin material with the pan constituting a coolant reservoir. A frame is secured to the pan and the frame includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced rails extending horizontally of the pan and a saw support fixture. A unitary, direct drive abrasive saw is fixedly mounted from the saw support fixture in a cutting position. The saw includes an electric motor, a rotary abrasive saw blade with the rotary axis of the saw blade being disposed within a plane generally perpendicular to the rails and a drive for directly interconnecting the motor and the saw blade. A table is provided reciprocably mounted on the rails for supporting the work to be cut and the table is movable toward and away from the saw blade from a retracted position in which the table and the work thereon is clear of the saw blade and a cutting position in which the saw blade cuts through the work as the latter is moved past the saw blade. The saw further includes a coolant pump for circulating coolant from within the pan over the saw blade as the work is cut.
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

A cutting tool assembly can include a handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can include a handle portion extending along a first longitudinal axis. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can also include a driving motor at least partially disposed in the handle portion. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can also include a switch operable to selectively activate the driving motor. The switch can be positioned on the handle portion such that a user's hand can engage the switch while grasping the handle portion and at least partially encircling the driving motor. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device can also include a rotatable shaft projecting out of the handle portion and configured to receive a cutting disc. The rotatable shaft can be driven by the driving motor and extend along a second longitudinal axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis. The cutting tool assembly can also include a first post extending from a first lateral side of the handle portion along a third longitudinal axis transverse to the first longitudinal axis and parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The cutting tool assembly can also include a second post extending from a second lateral side of the handle portion along the third longitudinal axis. The cutting tool assembly can also include a base plate having a first channel with a first bottom and first and second side walls extending from opposite sides of the first bottom to a first open top. The first open top can be sized to receive the first post. The first channel can be sized such that the first post is slidable and guided in pivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis by the first channel. The base plate can also include a second channel with a second bottom and third and fourth side walls extending from opposite sides of the second bottom to a second open top. The second open top can be sized to receive the second post. The second channel can be sized such that the second post is slidable and guided in pivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis by the second channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a first front perspective view of a cutting tool assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a second front perspective view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a first rear perspective view of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a base plate of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an anchor portion of the cutting tool assembly shown in FIGS. 1-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiment described below, can provide a useful, multi-purpose grinding tool that can also be selectively used as a chop saw. The exemplary can be used with a base plate to act as a chop saw and cut small diameter steel or other hard materials under a predetermined height (diameter), square or in angle. The cutting tool can be easily removed from the base plate to accomplish other operations as well.
A cutting tool assembly 10 can include a handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12. The cutting device 12 can be handheld in that the cutting device 12 can be capable of being moved by hand during a cutting operation. The cutting device 12 can be handheld in that the cutting device 12 can be fully supported by the human user during cutting movement. The cutting device 12 can be non-planar in that the cutting device 12 need not require a planar, movement-guiding plate during a cutting operation, in contrast to a circular saw, a jig saw, or a router.
The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can include a handle portion 14 extending along a first longitudinal axis 16. The exemplary handle portion 14 can include a gripping portion 18 having a cross-section that is symmetrical about the first longitudinal axis 16. The exemplary gripping portion 18 can be grasped by a user during use of the cutting tool assembly 10 and during use of the cutting device 12. The exemplary handle portion 14 can also include an anchor portion 20 disposed along the first longitudinal axis 16 adjacent to the gripping portion 18. The anchor portion 20 can have a cross-section that is symmetrical about the first longitudinal axis 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the gripping portion 18 can change along the first longitudinal axis 16, including a transition from a generally conical cross-section to a generally polygonal cross-section with relatively large rounds between flat sides.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor portion 20 is attached to the gripping portion 18. Two structures that are attached to one another are not integrally formed. Two structures that are attached are two structures that are formed separately and, subsequent to formation, joined together. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary anchor portion 20 that be placed over part of the gripping portion 18. Thus, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor portion 20 can be part of kit to allow an already-existing cutting device to be utilized in an embodiment of a cutting tool assembly.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the anchor portion 20 and the gripping portion 18 can be integrally-formed with respect to one another. “Integrally-formed” refers to the fact that in the exemplary embodiment the anchor portion 20 and the gripping portion 18 can be formed together rather than being formed separately and then subsequently joined. The term defines a structural feature since structures that are integrally-formed are structurally different than structures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately and then subsequently joined. “Integral” means consisting or composed of parts that together constitute a whole and thus encompasses structures of more than one part wherein the parts are either integrally-formed or formed separately and then subsequently joined.
The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can also include a driving motor 22 at least partially disposed in the handle portion 14. The driving motor 22 can be at least partially positioned or fully positioned within the handle portion 14, unlike a drill. The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can also include a switch 24 operable to selectively activate the driving motor 22. When in an “on” position, the switch 24 can allow electric current to pass to the driving motor 22. When in an “off” position, the switch 24 can be open, preventing electric current to pass to the driving motor 22. The switch 24 can be positioned on the handle portion 14 such that a user's hand can engage the switch 24 while grasping the handle portion 14 and the user's hand can at least partially encircle the driving motor 22.
The handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device 12 can also include a rotatable shaft 26 projecting out of the handle portion 14 and configured to receive a cutting disc 28. The exemplary rotatable shaft 26 is shown in phantom in FIG. 5. The cutting disc 28 can be mounted on the rotatable shaft 26 and can be an abrasive cutting disc 28 having a thickness of between 0.030 inch and 0.050 inch. The rotatable shaft 26 can be driven by the driving motor 22 and extend along a second longitudinal axis 30 transverse to the first longitudinal axis 16. The anchor portion 20 can be disposed along the first longitudinal axis 16 between the gripping portion 18 and the rotatable shaft 26. The rotatable shaft 26 can be fully or partially rotatable. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be a rotary tool or an oscillating tool.
The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a first post 32 extending from a first lateral side 34 of the handle portion 14 along a third longitudinal axis 36 transverse to the first longitudinal axis 16 and parallel to the second longitudinal axis 30. The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a second post 38 extending from a second lateral side 40 of the handle portion 14 along the third longitudinal axis 36. The first post 32 and the second post 38 can extend from the anchor portion 20. The third longitudinal axis 36 can be spaced from the first longitudinal axis 16, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first and second posts 32, 38 can be distinct structures or can be integrally-formed with respect to one another. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in phantom in which the posts 32, 38 are integrally-formed.
The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a base plate 42 having a first channel 44 with a first bottom 46 and first and second side walls 48, 50 extending from opposite sides of the first bottom 46 to a first open top 52. The first open top 52 can be sized to receive the first post 32. The first channel 44 can be sized such that the first post 32 is slidable within and guidable for pivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis 36 by the first channel 44. It is noted that the cutting device 12 can be utilized without the base plate 42.
The base plate 42 can also include a second channel 54 with a second bottom 56 and third and fourth side walls 58, 60 extending from opposite sides of the second bottom 56 to a second open top 62. The second open top 62 can be sized to receive the second post 38. The second channel 54 can be sized such that the second post 38 is slidable within and guidable for pivoting movement about the third longitudinal axis 36 by the second channel 54.
The cutting device 12 and therefore the handle portion 14 also can be pivotal relative to the base plate 42 between first and second orientations spaced from one another about the third longitudinal axis 36. FIG. 3 shows the handle portion 14 in the first orientation with the cutting disc 28 in an elevated position. A work-piece can be placed on the base plate 42 when the handle portion 14 is in the first orientation. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cutting tool assembly 10 can be capable of cutting work-pieces having a width equal to and less than one and one-half inches. FIG. 4 shows the handle portion 14 in the second orientation with the cutting disc 28 in a completed-cut position. A work-piece can be cut when the handle portion 14 is in the second orientation.
The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a biasing device 64 operably positioned between the handle portion 14 and the base plate 42. The exemplary biasing device 64 can extend between the anchor portion 20 and the base plate 42. The exemplary biasing device 64 can pass through a portion of the handle portion 14. The biasing device 64 can bias the handle portion 14 to the first orientation.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the biasing device 64 can be selectively engageable with one of the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 and fixedly engaged with the other of the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14. Selectively engageable refers to the fact that the user can select to engage the biasing device 64 with one of the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 to bias the handle portion 14 when the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 are connected, can select to release the biasing device 64 when the user desires to use the cutting device 12 apart from the base plate 42, and can again select to engage the biasing device 64 with one of the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 to bias the handle portion 14 when the base plate 42 and the handle portion 14 are reconnected. Selecting the biasing device 64 to engage or disengage one of the handle portion 14 and the base plate 42 can be done without damaging the base plate 42 or the handle portion 14. Fixedly engaged refers to the fact that the biasing device 64 can be connected to one of the handle portion 14 and the biasing device 64 with the intention that it not be removed. For example, it can be desirable to engage the biasing device 64 to the handle portion 14 or the base plate 42 so that it cannot be removed with damaging, elastically deforming, or plastically deforming the biasing device 64. This can be desirable so that the biasing device 64 is not lost from both the cutting device 12 and the base plate 42.
In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the biasing device 64 can include a pin 66 fixedly engaged with the handle portion 14. The biasing device 64 can also include a spring 68 fixedly engaged with the pin 66 and thus fixedly engaged with the handle portion 14. The biasing device 64 can also include a pin 70 fixedly engaged with the spring 68. The base plate 42 can include a pin aperture 72. The pin 70 can be selectively engageable in the pin aperture 72. The spring 68 can pass through a portion of the handle portion 14.
The base plate 42 can include a first threaded aperture 76 proximate to the first channel 44 and extending transverse to the third longitudinal axis 36. The base plate 42 can also include a second threaded aperture 78 proximate to the second channel 54 and extending transverse to the third longitudinal axis 36. A first exemplary enclosure can be a fastener 74 having a threaded shank portion and a head portion 80. The threaded shank portion is received in the threaded aperture 76 and the head portion extends over the first open top 52. The threaded aperture 76 and the head portion 80 can chamfered so that a top of the head portion 80 can be flush with a top surface 82 of the base plate 42 when installed.
A first exemplary enclosure can be a fastener 174 having a threaded shank portion and a head portion 180. The threaded shank portion is received in the threaded aperture 78 and the head portion extends over the first open top 62. The threaded aperture 78 and the head portion 180 can chamfered so that a top of the head portion 180 can be flush with the top surface 82 of the base plate 42 when installed.
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one enclosure can be a wing screw 274, as shown in FIG. 3. A length of the threaded shank portion of such a wing screw 274 can be less than a diameter of the head portion. This will allow the wing screw to be installed in minimal turns. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one enclosure 74 can be a clip 374, as shown in FIG. 4. The clip 374 can be pivotally engaged with the base plate 42 and moveable between at least two positions including a first position overlapping at least a portion of the first open top 52 and a second position spaced from the first position and spaced from the at least a portion of the first open top 52. Such clips are used on microscopes.
The cutting tool assembly 10 can also include a clamp 84 mounted on the base plate 42 to selectively clamp a work-piece. The clamp 84 can be pivotally mounted on the upper surface 82 of the base plate 42 and be moveable between a plurality of positions. The clamp 84 can include a fence 86. At least portions of the fence 86 can be received in arcuate slots in the base plate 42 to guide pivoting movement of the clamp 84. The clamp 84 can also include tightening screws 88, 188 that can selective lock the fence 86 relative to the base plate 42. The clamp 84 can also include an anvil 90 mounted on a threaded shaft 92. The shaft 92 can be received in a threaded aperture defined by the fence 86. Rotating the shaft 92 in a first angular direction can urge the anvil 90 against the fence 86 to clamp a work-piece. Rotating the shaft 92 in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction can urge the anvil 90 away from the fence 86 to release a work-piece. The clamp 84 can also include a shim 94 for cutting a work-piece to a desired length.
The cutting device 12 can include a quick-disconnect for replacing the cutting disc 28. A user can push a button 96 on the side of the cutting device 10 to unlock the disc 28. With the button 96 pressed, the cutting disc 28 can be rotated and removed by unscrewing a nut 98, which presses the cutting disc 28 on the shaft 26.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “present disclosure” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cutting tool assembly comprising:

a handheld and non-planar electromechanical cutting device having:

a handle portion extending along a first longitudinal axis,

a driving motor at least partially disposed in said handle portion,

a switch operable to selectively activate said driving motor and positioned on said handle portion such that a user's hand can engage the switch while grasping said handle portion and at least partially encircling said driving motor, and

a rotatable shaft projecting out of said handle portion and configured to receive a cutting disc, said rotatable shaft driven by said driving motor and extending along a second longitudinal axis transverse to said first longitudinal axis;

a first post extending from a first lateral side of said handle portion along a third longitudinal axis transverse to said first longitudinal axis and parallel to said second longitudinal axis;

a second post extending from a second lateral side of said handle portion along said third longitudinal axis; and

a base plate having:

a first channel with a first bottom and first and second side walls extending from opposite sides of said first bottom to a first open top, said first open top sized to receive said first post, said first channel sized such that said first post is slidable and guided in pivoting movement about said third longitudinal axis by said first channel, and

a second channel with a second bottom and third and fourth side walls extending from opposite sides of said second bottom to a second open top, said second open top sized to receive said second post, said second channel sized such that said second post is slidable and guided in pivoting movement about said third longitudinal axis by said second channel.

2. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a cutting disc mounted on said rotatable shaft wherein said cutting disc is an abrasive cutting disc having a thickness of between 0.030 inch and 0.050 inch.

3. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 wherein said cutting tool assembly is further defined as being capable of cutting work-pieces having a width equal to and less than one and one-half inches.

4. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a clamp mounted on said base plate to selectively clamp a work-piece.

5. The cutting tool assembly of claim 4 wherein said clamp is further defined as be pivotally mounted on said base plate and moveable between a plurality of positions.

6. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 wherein said third longitudinal axis is further defined as spaced from said first longitudinal axis.

7. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second posts are further defined as integrally-formed with respect to one another.

8. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 wherein said handle portion further comprises:

a gripping portion having a cross-section that is symmetrical about said first longitudinal axis; and

an anchor portion disposed along said first longitudinal axis between said gripping portion and said rotatable shaft and having a cross-section that is symmetrical about said first longitudinal axis.

9. The cutting tool assembly of claim 8 wherein said anchor portion is attached to said gripping portion.

10. The cutting tool assembly of claim 8 wherein said first post and said second post extend from said anchor portion.

11. The cutting tool assembly of claim 8 further comprising:

a biasing device extending between said anchor portion and said base plate.

12. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one enclosure engaged with said base plate to selectively block at least a portion of one of said first channel.

13. The cutting tool assembly of claim 12 wherein:

said base plate further comprises a threaded aperture proximate to said first channel and extending transverse to said third longitudinal axis; and

said at least one enclosure is further defined as a fastener having a threaded shank portion and a head portion, wherein said threaded shank portion is received in said threaded aperture and said head portion extends over said first open top.

14. The cutting tool assembly of claim 13 wherein said at least one enclosure is further defined as a wing screw.

15. The cutting tool assembly of claim 14 wherein a length of said threaded shank portion is less than a diameter of said head portion.

16. The cutting tool assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one enclosure is further defined as a clip pivotally engaged with said base plate and moveable between at least two positions including a first position overlapping at least a portion of said first open top and a second position spaced from said first position and spaced from said at least a portion of said first open top.

17. The cutting tool assembly of claim 1 wherein:

said handle portion is pivotal relative to said base plate between first and second orientations spaced from one another about said third longitudinal axis; and

said cutting tool assembly further comprises a biasing device operably positioned between said handle portion and said base plate and biasing said handle portion to said first orientation.

18. The cutting tool assembly of claim 17 wherein said biasing device is further defined as selectively engageable with one of said base plate and said handle portion and fixedly engaged with the other of said base plate and said handle portion.

19. The cutting tool assembly of claim 18 wherein said biasing device further comprises:

a spring fixedly engaged with said other of said base plate and said handle portion; and

a first pin fixedly engaged with said spring, wherein said one of said base plate and said handle portion further comprises a pin aperture, said first pin selectively engageable in said pin aperture.

20. The cutting tool assembly of claim 19 wherein said spring passes through a portion of said handle portion.