Combination power tool and object sensor

• US 8,272,813 B1
• Filed: 01/30/2006
• Issued: 09/25/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert W. Wise
• Original Assignee: Robert W. Wise
• Inventors: Wise, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/343,642
• Time in Patent Office: 2,430 Days
• Field of Search: 408/16, 408/124, 408/241.R, 173/217
• US Class Current: 408/16
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 49/00 Measuring or gauging equipment on boring machines for positioning or guiding the drill; Devices for indicating failure of drills during boring; Centering devices for holes to be bored marking-out equipment B25H7/00; measuring devices, gauges G01B
• CPC Class Codes: B23D 59/001 Measuring or control devices, e.g. for automatic control of work feed pressure on band saw blade measuring in general G01; controlling in general G05
• 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: Y10T 408/21 with signal, indicator, illuminator or optical means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/96 Miscellaneous

Abstract

A combination power tool and object sensor includes a power tool body having a handle with a free end. An object sensor, such as a stud finder is located at the free end. The object sensor is oriented with respect to the free end of the handle such that a user may use both the object sensor, and the power tool without repositioning his or her hand with respect to the power tool handle. The object sensor is nonremovable.

Claims

1. An improved power tool, comprising:

a power tool body having a rearwardly disposed handle for grasping by a user'"'"'s hand and a prime mover for operating a working member, the power tool handle having an exposed free end;

a non-removable object sensor integral with the handle and located at the free end for positioning against an object to be sensed such that a user can position the object sensor against the object to be sensed without repositioning the user'"'"'s hand with respect to the handle;

indicator means operatively coupled with the object sensor for indicating the detection of the object; and

;

an external power cord connected to the power tool body at a first end thereof displaced from the object sensor for powering the prime mover.

2. The improved power tool of claim 1, wherein the object sensor is a stud finder.

3. The improved power tool of claim 2, wherein the indicator means is a visual indicator.

4. The improved power tool of claim 3, wherein the visual indicator is a light emitting diode.

5. The improved power tool of claim 2, wherein the indicator means is an audible indicator.

6. The improved power tool of claim 1, wherein the power cable has a second end connected to a battery pack external to and separate from the power tool.

7. The improved power tool of claim 6, wherein the battery pack is rechargeable.

8. The improved power tool of claim 1, wherein the power tool is an electric drill and the working member is a drill chuck.

9. The improved power tool of claim 8, wherein the object sensor is a stud finder and the indicator means includes a light for indicating the presence of a stud, wherein the stud finder has a planar base substantially perpendicular to a major axis of the handle for positioning the base against a wall, and an actuating button positioned on the handle whereby the user'"'"'s hand need not be repositioned on the handle to operate the stud finder.

10. The improved power tool of claim 1, wherein the handle includes an actuating button operatively connected to the object sensor.