Systems and methods of a power tool system with interchangeable functional attachments powered by a direct rotational drive

• US 8,024,995 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2010
• Issued: 09/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Umagination Labs, LP
• Original Assignee: Umagination Labs, LP
• Inventors: Florence, Mark R., Park, Sung K., Dayton, Douglas C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thomas; David B
• Application Number:
  US12/783,694
• Publication Number:
  US 20100288520A1
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 81/52, 81/531, 81/531.2, 81/571.3, 81/573.2, 173/29, 173/46, 173/52, 173/214, 173/216, 173/217, 294/19.1, 294/23, 294/24
• US Class Current: 81/52
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 13/001 Cylindrical or annular brush bodies
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 13/008 Disc-shaped brush bodies
• CPC Class Codes: A46B 2200/3046 Brushes for cleaning cars or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 3/00 Associations of tools for different working operations with one portable power-drive means; Adapters therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E04D 13/0765 Cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 279/17196 Ball or roller

Abstract

In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Claims

1. A method of a multi-functional power tool system, comprising:

mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules;

attaching the power head to a power base that provides electrical power for the functional module, wherein the power head is adapted to detachably engage at least two different functional modules and wherein a pole is disposed between the power base and the power head;

powering the functional module by directing electrical power from the power base through a drive of the power head; and

controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base,

wherein the functional module is connected to a rotational drive of the power head by a mechanical attachment mechanism,

wherein the mechanical attachment comprises at least one of a three-jaw chuck with a chuck key, a keyless three-jaw chuck, a detent-action hex chuck, a chuck with reduction gearing, an in-line planetary gearhead, a ninety degree hex shaft chuck with a spring-release ball-detent retention of the hex shaft of the tool within the chuck itself, and a ninety degree hex shaft chuck with a ball detent retention of the hex shaft of the tool within the chuck itself; and

wherein the functional module comprises a hex shaft for attaching to the ninety degree hex shaft chuck.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the functional module is at least one of a cleaning module, a gutter cleaning module, a holding and fastening module, a finishing and painting module, an inspection module, and a landscape/garden module.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate utilizes a quick release connection.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the functional module attaches to an adjustable angle drive utilizing a ring bevel gear coupling a double bevel gear on the input and output shaft.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment is coupled to the power tool system power head by a connection plate that provides registration features to align mechanical components and resist torque couples and slip free engagement of the power output shaft to the input shaft of the mechanical attachment.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein an in-line gearbox assembly is attached to the power head by a connection plate that provides registration features to align mechanical components and resist torque couples and slip free engagement of the power output shaft to the input shaft of the mechanical attachment.

7. A multi-functional power tool system, comprising:

a functional module mounted to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules;

a power base attached to the power head to provide electrical power to the power head, wherein the power head is adapted to detachably engage at least two different functional modules and wherein a pole is disposed between the power base and the power head;

a drive of the power head for powering the functional module with electrical power from the power base; and

a control disposed in the power base for controlling the multi-functional power tool system,

wherein the functional module is connected to a rotational drive of the power head by a mechanical attachment mechanism,

wherein the mechanical attachment comprises at least one of a three-jaw chuck with a chuck key, a keyless three-jaw chuck, a detent-action hex chuck, a chuck with reduction gearing, an in-line planetary gearhead, a ninety degree hex shaft chuck with a spring-release ball-detent retention of the hex shaft of the tool within the chuck itself, and a ninety degree hex shaft chuck with a ball detent retention of the hex shaft of the tool within the chuck itself, and

wherein the functional module comprises a hex shaft for attaching to the ninety degree hex shaft chuck.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the functional module is at least one of a cleaning module, a gutter cleaning module, a holding and fastening module, a finishing and painting module, an inspection module, and a landscape/garden module.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the mounting plate utilizes a quick release connection.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the functional module attaches to an adjustable angle drive utilizing a ring bevel gear coupling a double bevel gear on the input and output shaft.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the mechanical attachment is coupled to the power tool system power head by a connection plate that provides registration features to align mechanical components and resist torque couples and slip free engagement of the power output shaft to the input shaft of the mechanical attachment.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein an in-line gearbox assembly is attached to the power head by a connection plate that provides registration features to align mechanical components and resist torque couples and slip free engagement of the power output shaft to the input shaft of the mechanical attachment.