Switch assembly

• US 7,073,993 B2
• Filed: 06/10/2003
• Issued: 07/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Black & Decker Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Porter-Cable Corporation (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Etter, Mark A., Griffin, Greg K., Cooper, Randy G., Allen, Ginger L., Kilbourne, Derrick
• Primary Examiner(s): Banks, Derris H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ross, Dana
• Application Number:
  US10/458,167
• Publication Number:
  US 20060078395A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,127 Days
• Field of Search: 409/182, 409/175, 409/181, 409/134, 409/171, 409/209, 409/241, 409/210, 409/214, 409/218, 144/136.95, 144/154.5
• US Class Current: 409/182
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/00 Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/02 Construction of casings, bodies or handles B25F5/006, B25F5/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B27C 5/10 Portable hand-operated wood-milling machines; Routers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/65 Means to drive tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/306216 Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/306552 Randomly manipulated
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/306608 End mill [e.g., router, etc.]

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly of the present invention includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

Claims

1. A power tool, comprising:

a motor housing;

a motor contained in the motor housing, for driving a working tool; and

a switch assembly, for selectively providing electricity to the motor, including;

a switch electrically coupled to the motor, for controlling the flow of electricity to the motor;

a coupling device mounted in the motor housing, for manipulating the switch, the coupling device being at least one of a bar or a rod extending generally along the motor housing;

a first actuator connected to at least one of the switch or the coupling device, disposed adjacent the switch, said first actuator being configured for user manipulation; and

a second actuator connected to the coupling device remotely from the switch, said second actuator being configured for user manipulation;

wherein user manipulation of at least one of said first actuator or said second actuator manipulates the switch.

2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first actuator or the second actuator is unitary with the coupling device.

3. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is at least one of a flip actuator, a toggle actuator, a slide actuator, a rocker actuator, or a push-button actuator.

4. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the second actuator is at least one of thumb plate or a protrusion.

5. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the second actuator is disposed proximal to an end of the motor housing for being received in a base.

6. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the coupling device is a molded plastic bar.

7. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the switch is a slide switch.

8. A removable base router, comprising:

a generally cylindrical motor housing including a generally flat end for supporting the motor housing;

a base, including a base sleeve, being configured to adjustably receive the motor housing therein for supporting the router on a workpiece;

a motor contained in the motor housing, for driving a working tool; and

a switch assembly, for selectively providing electricity to the motor, including;

a slide switch electrically coupled to the motor, for controlling the flow of electricity to the motor;

a coupling device slideably mounted longitudinally to the motor housing, for manipulating the switch, said coupling device including;

a first actuator connected to at least one of the switch or the coupling device, disposed adjacent the flat end of the motor housing adjacent the switch, said first actuator being configured for user manipulation; and

a second actuator connected to the coupling device adjacent the base sleeve, said second actuator being configured for user manipulation when grasping at least one of the base or the motor housing;

wherein user manipulation of at least one of said first actuator or said second actuator slideably adjust the switch to obtain at least one of an on position whereby electricity flows to the motor, or an off position whereby electricity is inhibited from flowing to the motor.

9. The removable base router of claim 8, wherein the first actuator and second actuators are at least one of a protrusion, a button, or a thumb plate.

10. The removable base router of claim 8, wherein the coupling device is a bar.

11. The removable base router of claim 8, wherein the coupling device extends beyond the flat end of the motor housing when electricity is flowing to the motor.

12. The removable base router of claim 8, wherein the base sleeve includes a contoured portion for at least partially accepting the second actuator.