Hole saw

Abstract

A hole saw is provided that includes a mandrel, a body, and a plurality of blade assemblies slidably mounted on the body. The hole saw has an adjustable size such that a user can vary the pitch of the blade assemblies to adjust the size (e.g., diameter) of the hole cut by the hole saw. In some embodiment, the body includes a plurality of pairs of wings, and each blade assembly is slidably mounted on a pair of wings of the plurality of pairs of wings. When a first blade assembly of the plurality of blade assemblies moves along its respective pair of wings, a first wing of each of the plurality of pairs of wings rotates and the other blade assemblies move along its respective pair of wings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to the field of tools in general. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present utility model relates to a hole saw having adjustable size, allowing a user to change the blade spacing to adjust the size (e.g., diameter) of the hole cut by the hole saw. SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment of the present utility model relates to a hole saw including a central axis, a body centered on the central axis, a mandrel centered on the central axis and coupled to the body, and a plurality of blade assemblies. The body includes a plurality of pairs of wings positioned radially about the central axis and extending away from the central axis. Each pair of wings includes a first wing having an arcuate slot extending radially away from the central axis and a second wing positioned below the first wing in a direction along the central axis. The mandrel includes a shaft configured to engage a driving tool and a drill bit coupled to the mandrel opposite the shaft along the central axis. The drill bit is configured to engage a workpiece. The plurality of blade assemblies are configured to cut the workpiece. Each blade assembly is slidably mounted on one of the pairs of wings, and at least a portion of each blade assembly is positioned through the respective arcuate slot of the respective first wing. Each first wing of the plurality of pairs of wings rotates relative to the central axis as a first blade assembly of the plurality of blade assemblies moves along its respective pair of wings, and other blade assemblies of the plurality of blade assemblies move along their respective pairs of wings.

[0004] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a tool for cutting a hole in a workpiece. The tool includes a central axis, a body centered on the central axis, a mandrel centered on the central axis and coupled to the body, and a blade assembly. The body includes a first plate, a first slot formed in the first plate and extending radially away from the central axis, a second plate, and a second slot formed in the second plate and extending radially away from the central axis. The second slot is aligned with the first slot such that at least a portion of the second slot overlaps the first slot. The mandrel includes a shaft configured to engage a driving tool. The blade assembly is slidably mounted in the first slot and slidably mounted in the second slot. The blade assembly includes a blade configured to cut the workpiece. The blade assembly moves in a first direction away from the central axis along the first slot as the blade assembly moves in the first direction along the second slot.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a hole cutting tool comprising a central axis, a mandrel, a first plate, a second plate, and a blade assembly. The mandrel is centered on the central axis and includes a shaft configured to engage a driving tool. The shaft extends away from the mandrel in a first direction along the central axis. The first plate is centered on the central axis and mounted on the mandrel. The first plate is configured to rotate relative to the central axis. The first plate includes a first wing extending away from the central axis, and a slot formed along at least a portion of the first wing and extending radially away from the central axis. The second plate is centered on the central axis and mounted on the mandrel. The second plate includes a second wing extending linearly away from the central axis, and at least a portion of the second wing overlaps the slot of the first wing. The blade assembly is slidably coupled to the first wing and slidably coupled to the second wing. The blade assembly includes a blade extending away from the blade assembly in a second direction along the central axis opposite the first direction.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who practice the embodiments as described in that description or as modified in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Additionally, alternative example embodiments involve other features and combinations of features as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a hole saw according to an example embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a hole saw according to an example embodiment; Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is a side plan view of a hole saw according to an example embodiment; Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a hole saw according to an example embodiment; Figure 1

[0013] is a top plan view of a hole saw according to an example embodiment;​​Figure 5 is a hole saw according to an example embodiment Figure 1 is an exploded view of a body of the hole saw of

[0014] Figure 6 is a detailed view of an arbor and drill bit of the hole saw of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an arbor and drill bit of the hole saw of Figure 6

[0016] Figure 8 is a detailed view of a blade assembly of the hole saw of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a blade assembly of the hole saw of Figure 8

[0018] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a hole saw without a blade assembly according to another example embodiment

[0019] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the hole saw of Figure 10

[0020] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a body of the hole saw of Figure 10

[0021] Figure 13 is a detailed view of a bearing assembly of the hole saw of Figure 10

[0022] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a bearing assembly of the hole saw of Figure 13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring generally to the drawings, a number of different embodiments of hole saws are shown and described that are configured to provide adjustable blade positioning to allow a user to change the size of a hole cut by the hole saw.

[0024] ​​​​​​​​The various different hole saws discussed herein have an upper plate with first slots (shown as arcuate slots) and a lower plate with second slots (shown as linear slots). Blade assemblies are mounted in pairs of slots, each pair having one arcuate slot and one linear slot. As a blade assembly is moved along a linear slot, the upper plate rotates and the arcuate slots simultaneously move other blade assemblies along their respective linear slots. Applicant believes that this construction allows for more efficient sizing (i.e., change in diameter) of the hole saw compared to typical adjustable hole saws in which the position of each blade relative to the arbor or central drill bit must be individually adjusted. Additionally, in various different embodiments, the hole saw includes three pairs of wings, each pair including a blade assembly mounted in an arcuate slot and a linear slot. Applicant believes that these three pairs of wings allow for better balance and more clearly define the cutting plane compared to typical hole saws having two individually adjustable blades, thereby providing for easier first cuts or kerfs.

[0025] In other various different embodiments, the hole saw includes a body having pairs of first and second wings. Each first wing includes an arcuate slot, and a bearing assembly is mounted in the arcuate slot and encloses the second wing. Applicant believes that this construction provides for reduced friction as the blades mounted on the bearing assemblies are moved along the pairs of wings.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A hole saw 100 is shown and described. The hole saw 100 is configured to selectively couple to a driving tool, such as an impact driver or a rotary drill, to cut a hole in a workpiece, such as drywall, wood, plastic, or other material. In particular, the hole saw 100 includes at least three position-adjustable blades that allow a user to select a size (e.g., diameter) of a hole cut by the hole saw 100.

[0027] The hole saw 100 includes a body 102, an arbor 104, and a plurality of blade assemblies 106. The arbor 104 is coupled to the body 102 and is configured to receive the driving tool. The blade assemblies are slidably mounted on the body 102. The hole saw 100 further includes a central axis 108 and a drill bit 110. The drill bit 110 is coupled to the arbor 104 and is configured to engage the workpiece. As shown, the body 102, the arbor 104, and the drill bit 110 are centered on and extend along the central axis 108.

[0028] The body 102 includes a first or upper plate 112, a second or lower plate 114, and a central bearing, such as a thrust bearing 113. The lower plate 114 is positioned below the upper plate 112 along the central axis 108. The thrust bearing 113 is positioned between the upper plate 112 and the lower plate 114. The thrust bearing 113 assists in the rotation of the upper plate 112 and the lower plate 114 relative to each other as a user adjusts the size of the hole saw 100.

[0029] The upper plate 112 includes a plurality of first slots (shown as arcuate slots 116) that extend through the upper plate 112. The arcuate slots 116 extend radially away from the central axis 108 and define an arc or curve relative to the central axis 108. The lower plate 114 includes a plurality of second slots (shown as linear slots 118) that extend through the lower plate 114 in substantially the same direction as the arcuate slots 116. The linear slots 118 extend radially away from the central axis 108 and extend substantially linearly in a direction away from the central axis 108. As shown, both the arcuate slots 116 and the linear slots 118 have a depth dimension that extends through their respective plates that is measured parallel to the central axis 108. Each linear slot 118 corresponds to one of the plurality of arcuate slots 116. At least a portion of each linear slot 118 overlaps the corresponding arcuate slot 116. In this manner, when the blade assembly 106 is installed on the body 102, the blade assembly 106 is each slidably installed in a pair of slots: one linear slot 118 and one arcuate slot 116.

[0030] The arbor 104 is coupled to the body 102 and includes a shaft 120. The shaft 120 is configured to selectively couple a driving tool. When the driving tool is attached to the shaft 120, it can cause the hole saw 100 to rotate about the central axis 108. The drill bit 110 is coupled to the arbor 104 opposite the shaft 120 along the central axis 108. The drill bit 110 has a tip 122 that is configured to engage a workpiece and drill a hole when the driving tool causes the hole saw 100 to rotate.

[0031] A plurality of blade assemblies 106 extend through the body 102. Each blade assembly 106 is configured to cut into a workpiece. Additionally, each blade assembly 106 is adjustable along the body 102 to allow a user to change the size (e.g., diameter) of a hole cut by the hole saw 100. The blade assembly 106 includes a blade 124, an upper edge 126, and a lower edge 128. The blade 124 is coupled to the lower edge 128 and extends in a direction parallel to the drill bit 110. In this way, the blade 124 can engage the workpiece at the same time as the drill bit 110. The blade 124 is spaced apart from the central axis 108 and the drill bit 110 such that the central axis 108 defines a center of a hole cut by the hole saw 100.

[0032] Each upper edge 126 of the plurality of blade assemblies 106 is received and retained within one of the arcuate slots 116, and each lower edge 128 is received and retained within one of the linear slots 118. In this manner, each blade assembly 106 can be simultaneously slid along the arcuate slot 116 and the linear slot 118. Each blade assembly 106 also includes a thrust bearing 130 between the upper plate 112 of the body 102 and the lower plate 114 of the body 102. The thrust bearing 130 facilitates rotation of the upper plate 112 and the lower plate 114 relative to one another, as well as movement of the blade assembly 106 along the body 102, particularly along the pair of slots 116, 118.

[0033] To change the size of the hole cut by the hole saw 100, the user slides the blade assemblies 106 along the body 102 in a direction toward or away from the central axis 108. Specifically, the blade assemblies 106 move along the pair of arcuate slots 116 and linear slots 118. As the user slides the blade assemblies 106 along their pair of slots 116, 118, the other blade assemblies 106 move along their respective slots 116, 118.

[0034] As shown, the hole saw 100 includes three blade assemblies 106, three arcuate slots 116 in the upper plate 112, and three linear slots 118 in the lower plate 114. The lower plate 114 of the body 102 is fixed in place. That is, the lower plate 114 is coupled to the arbor 104 such that the lower plate does not rotate independently of the arbor 104. The upper plate 112 is rotatably coupled to the arbor 104 and can rotate with or independently of the lower plate 114 and the arbor 104.

[0035] As the first blade assembly 106 moves along the linear slot 118 in which it is mounted, the upper plate 112 rotates relative to the lower plate 114 and about the central axis 108. The other blade assemblies 106 simultaneously move along their linear slots 118 by changing position in their respective arcuate slots 116. The curved edges of the arcuate slots 116 urge the blade assemblies 106 in the same direction toward or away from the central axis 108 as the first blade assembly 106. In other embodiments, the upper plate 112 is fixed in place and the lower plate 114 rotates relative to the upper plate 112 in order to move the blade assemblies along the pair of slots 116, 118.

[0036] Reference Figure 4The upper plate 112 includes a plurality of markings 132, individual markings 132. The markings 132 are adjacent to each arcuate slot 116 and extend along the entire length of each arcuate slot 116. The markings 132 extend radially from the central axis 108 and are spaced at different distances along the arcuate slots 116. The markings 132 are represented by a series of numbers that identify the size of the holes cut by the hole saw 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the markings 132 indicate the diameter of the holes in inches and range between 2 inches and 7 inches. In other embodiments, the markings 132 can indicate the diameter in metric units, e.g., centimeters.

[0037] A user can use the markings 132 to select the size of the hole they want to cut with the hole saw 100. The user can then move the blade assembly 106 to the desired marking 132 or diameter size and secure the blade assembly 106 in place. As described above, the other blade assemblies 106 will simultaneously move to positions adjacent to the corresponding markings 132 or diameter sizes of the other arcuate slots 116. The user can then adjust and secure the other blade assemblies 106 in place. The user can then use the hole saw 100 to make a hole in a workpiece based on the adjusted size.

[0038] Referring to Figure 5 , an exploded view of the body 102 of the hole saw 100 is shown. The upper plate 112 has a top surface 140 and a bottom surface 142. The upper plate 112 includes a central protrusion 144 that extends in a direction away from the top surface 140. A through hole 146 extends through the central protrusion 144 and the upper plate 112. The through hole 146 is configured to receive the upper section 160 of the arbor 104 such that the upper plate 112 is mounted on the upper section 160 of the arbor 104. As shown, the central protrusion 144 is cylindrical in shape with a center that is aligned with the central axis 108. Thus, the central protrusion 144 is centered with the body 102.

[0039] The upper plate 112 further includes a plurality of first wings 115. Each arcuate slot 116 extends along at least a portion of a first wing 115. As shown, the first wings 115 are curved such that they extend radially away from the central axis 108. The first wings 115 are evenly spaced apart from one another about the central axis. The arcuate slots 116 are spaced apart from the central axis 108 by a distance and have a length that extends radially away from the central axis 108. The arcuate slots 116 and the first wings 115 define a curve with respect to the central axis 108. The arcuate slots 116 and the first wings 115 are curved in opposite directions. As shown, the arcuate slots 116 and the first wings 115 are curved in a clockwise direction with respect to the central axis 108. Each arcuate slot 116 has a first end 147 and a second end 148. Each first end 147 is adjacent to the central protrusion 144, while each second end 148 is at an end of the first wing 115 that is farthest from the central axis 108.

[0040] The lower plate 114 has a top surface 150 and a bottom surface 152. The lower plate 114 includes a through-hole 154 that is configured to receive the lower section 162 of the mandrel 104. The lower plate 114 is mounted on the lower section 162 of the mandrel 104. As shown, the through-hole 154 is hexagonal in shape and centered on the central axis 108.

[0041] The lower plate 114 further includes a plurality of second wings 117. Each second wing 117 corresponds to a respective first wing 115, thereby defining pairs of first and second wings. Each second wing 117 has a length that extends radially away from the central axis 108. The second wings 117 extend in a linear direction away from the central axis 108. In certain embodiments, the second wings 117 extend in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the central axis 108. The second wings 117 are evenly spaced apart from one another about the central axis 108. Each linear slot 118 extends along at least a portion of a second wing 117. The linear slots 118 have a length that extends radially away from the central axis 108 along the second wing 117. In certain embodiments, the linear slots 117 also extend orthogonal to the central axis 108. The linear slots 118 have a first end 156 and a second end 158 opposite the first end 156. The first end 156 is positioned adjacent to the through-hole 154, while the second end 158 is at an end of the second wing 117 that is farthest from the central axis 108.

[0042] The central thrust bearing 113 is positioned between the top surface 150 of the lower plate 114 and the bottom surface 142 of the upper plate 112. In certain embodiments, the central thrust bearing allows the upper plate 112 to move relative to the lower plate 114 when a user adjusts the size of the hole saw 100. The thrust bearing 113 reduces rotational friction imparted to the lower plate 114 when the upper plate 112 is rotated about the central axis 108.

[0043] As shown, the upper plate 112 includes three first wings 115 and three arcuate slots 116, and the lower plate 114 includes three second wings 117 and three linear slots 118. Applicant believes that the use of three first wings 115 and three second wings 117 provides greater stability to the hole saw.

[0044] When assembled, each blade assembly 106 is installed in a first wing 115 and a corresponding second wing 117. The first wings 115 and the second wings 117 extend along planes that are generally parallel to each other. This allows the arcuate slots 116 in the first wings 115 to at least partially overlap the linear slots 118 of the second wings 117. Specifically, the arcuate slots 116 and the linear slots 118 are aligned such that when a blade assembly 106 is positioned in a first end 147 of an arcuate slot 116, the blade assembly 106 is also positioned in a first end 156 of a corresponding linear slot 118. In the same manner, when a blade assembly 106 is positioned in a second end 148 of an arcuate slot 116, the blade assembly is also positioned in a second end 158 of a corresponding linear slot 118. In this way, when a user slides a blade assembly 106 along its pair of slots 116, 118, the other blade assemblies 106 move along their respective slots 116, 118, and the positioning of the blade assembly 106 is relatively the same with respect to the markings 132.

[0045] Referring to Figures 6 to 7 , the arbor 104 and the drill bit 110 are shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The arbor 104 includes a shaft 120, an upper section 160, and a lower section 162. The shaft 120 is coupled to and extends from the upper section 160. The shaft 120 includes an engagement end 164. The engagement end 164 is configured to be detachably coupled to a driving tool in order to rotate the arbor 104. As shown, the engagement end 164 is hexagonal in shape. In various embodiments, the engagement end 164 is coupled to the upper section 160 by an interference fit, such as a press fit or a friction fit.

[0046] When the hole saw 100 is assembled, the upper plate 112 and the central protrusion 144 engage and enclose at least a portion of the upper section 160, and the lower plate 114 engages and encloses at least a portion of the lower section 162. More specifically, the arbor 104 includes a step 166 between the upper section 160 and the lower section 162. The lower plate 114 abuts the step 166 when engaged with the arbor 104. As shown, the upper section 160 is circular in shape, and the lower section 162 is hexagonal in shape. The through hole 146 of the upper plate 112 and the through hole 154 of the lower plate 114 match the shape of the upper section 160 and the lower section 162, respectively.

[0047] The drill bit 110 is removably coupled to the lower section 162. The drill bit includes an attachment end 168 that is positioned opposite the nose 122. The attachment end 168 is received and retained in the lower section 162. The nose 122 extends downward from the lower section 162 and is configured to engage a workpiece in order to drill a hole. As shown, the attachment end 168 is a hexagonal shank. The arbor 104 is configured to receive and retain various drill bits so that a user can remove and replace the drill bit as desired.

[0048] Referring to Figures 8 to 9 FIG. 1 shows one of the blade assemblies 106 of the hole saw 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The blade assembly 106 is configured to be removably coupled to the body 102. The blade assembly 106 includes a blade 124, a body or blade holder 180, a sleeve bearing 182 coupled to the blade holder 180, and a thrust bearing 130 coupled to the sleeve bearing 182.

[0049] The blade holder 180 includes an upper end 186 and a lower end 188 opposite the upper end 186. The blade 124 is removably coupled to the lower end 188. The blade 124 extends in a direction downward from the lower end 188 and away from the bottom surface 152 of the lower plate 114. In particular, the blade 124 is coupled to the blade holder 180 by a screw 184. The blade 124 can be removed and replaced by a user as desired. In various different embodiments, the blade 124 can be made of an abrasive, carbide, or metal such as steel. In this way, a user can utilize a blade made of a different material in place of the blade 124 to accommodate the needs of the user.

[0050] The upper end 186 of the blade holder 180 is received and retained in the sleeve bearing 182. The upper end 186 includes a threaded passage 190. The threaded passage 190 is configured to receive a bolt or screw 192. The screw 192 couples the upper end 186 to the sleeve bearing 182 and secures the upper edge 126 to the top surface 140 of the upper plate 112.

[0051] The blade assembly 106 further includes a retaining ring 194. The retaining ring 194 defines the lower edge 128 of the blade assembly 106. The retaining ring 194 helps to retain the blade holder 180 in place between the upper plate 112 and the lower plate 114. In this way, the upper edge 126 engages the top surface 140 of the upper plate 112 and the retaining ring 194 engages the bottom surface 152 of the lower plate 114 to retain and secure the blade assembly 106 in the slots 116, 118.

[0052] The thrust bearing 130 is coupled to an outer surface of the sleeve bearing 182. The thrust bearing 130 is located between the bottom surface 142 of the upper plate 112 and the top surface 150 of the lower plate 114. The thrust bearing 130 and the sleeve bearing 182 help the blade assembly 106 to travel along the slots 116, 118.

[0053] Referring to Figures 10 to 14 A hole saw 200 is shown. The hole saw 200 is substantially the same as the hole saw 100 except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, the hole saw 200 includes a body 202 having an upper plate 212 and a lower plate 214. A bearing assembly 206 is mounted in an arcuate slot 216 formed in the upper plate 212. The bearing assembly 206 encloses a second wing 217 of the lower plate 214. Applicant believes that the bearing assembly 206 provides reduced friction and easier manufacturing.

[0054] Referring to Figures 10 to 12 The hole saw 200 includes a body 202, a mandrel 204, and a plurality of bearing assemblies 206 slidably mounted on the body 202. A blade (such as the blade 124) can be mounted on the bearing assemblies 206 to cut a hole in a workpiece. The hole saw 200 is adjustable so that a user can select a size (e.g., a diameter of the hole) of a hole cut by the hole saw 200 by sliding the bearing assemblies 206 radially along the body 202 relative to a central axis 208.

[0055] The body 202 is centered on the central axis and includes an upper plate 212, a lower plate 214, and a central bearing (such as a central sleeve bearing 213). The central sleeve bearing 213 facilitates rotation of the upper plate 212 and the lower plate 214 relative to each other when a user adjusts the size of the hole saw 200.

[0056] The upper plate 212 includes a top surface 240, a bottom surface 242, and a plurality of first wings 215. Each arcuate slot 216 extends along at least a portion of a first wing 215. As shown, the first wings 215 are curved so that they extend radially away from the central axis 208. The arcuate slots 216 are curved in the same direction as the first wings 215. Each arcuate slot 216 has a first end 247 and a second end 248. Each first end 247 is positioned closer to the central axis 208 than each second end 248. That is, a distance measured between the first end 247 and the central axis 208 is less than a distance measured between the second end 248 and the central axis 208.

[0057] The lower plate 214 includes a top surface 250, a bottom surface 252, and a plurality of second wings 217. The second wings 217 extend in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the central axis 208. Each second wing 217 corresponds to one of the plurality of first wings 215. In this way, the body 202 defines pairs of wings: one first wing 215 and one second wing 217. Each first wing 215 and each second wing 217 extends along a plane that is generally parallel to each other. This allows at least a portion of a segment wing 217 to overlap with an arcuate slot 216 in a first wing 215.

[0058] When the hole saw 200 is assembled, the center sleeve bearing 213 is positioned within the opening 246 formed in the upper plate 212. The center sleeve bearing 213 assists in the movement of the upper plate 212 relative to the lower plate 214 when the user adjusts the size of the hole saw 200. The center sleeve bearing 213 includes a rim 231 positioned between the bottom surface 242 of the upper plate 212 and the top surface 250 of the lower plate 214. The rim 231 assists in retaining the center sleeve bearing 213 within the opening 246.

[0059] The mandrel 204 includes an upper section 260 and a lower section 262. A lip 266 extends radially away from the mandrel 204 at the intersection between the upper section 260 and the lower section 262. When assembled, the upper section 260 is positioned within the center sleeve bearing 213 and the lower section 262 is positioned within the opening 254 of the lower plate 214. The lip 266 is positioned between the top surface 250 of the lower plate 214 and the bottom surface 242 of the upper plate 212. The lip 266 assists in retaining the mandrel 204 in place between the upper plate 212 and the lower plate 214. When assembled, the lip 266 can abut the rim 231 of the center sleeve bearing 213.

[0060] In various embodiments, a shaft, such as the shaft 120, can be coupled to and extend from the upper section 260 to engage a driving tool. In other various embodiments, a drill bit, such as the drill bit 110, is coupled to the lower section 262 of the mandrel 204 to engage a workpiece and drill a hole.

[0061] The bearing assemblies 206 are slidably mounted along the body 202, and more specifically, along the pair of wings 215, 217. Each bearing assembly 206 encircles the second wing 217 such that the bearing assembly 206 engages the outer side surface 219 of the second wing 217. A portion of each bearing assembly 206 is positioned within the arcuate slot 216.

[0062] As the first bearing assembly 206 moves along the length of the second wing 217 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis, the upper plate 212 rotates relative to the lower plate 214 and about the central axis 208, which causes the first bearing assembly 206 to move along its arcuate slot 216. The other bearing assemblies 206 simultaneously move along their second wings 217 by changing position in their respective arcuate slots 216. The curved edges of the arcuate slots 216 urge the bearing assemblies 206 toward or away from the central axis 108 in the same direction as the first bearing assembly 206. In other embodiments, the upper plate 212 is fixed in place and the lower plate 214 rotates relative to the upper plate 212.

[0063] REFERENCE Figures 13 to 14One of the bearing assemblies 206 of the hole saw 200 is shown. The bearing assembly 206 is configured to be slidably coupled to the body 202 by using a plurality of bearings (e.g., linear bearings, sleeve bearings, etc.) that engage the second wing 217. The bearing assembly 206 includes a top plate 300, a bottom plate 302, a plurality of fasteners (shown as screws 304), a plurality of pins 306, and a plurality of bearings (shown as sleeve bearings 308).

[0064] The first sleeve bearing 308A is positioned within the arcuate slot 216 and surrounds the first screw 304A, which is retained in the top plate 300 of the bearing assembly 206. The first sleeve bearing 308A facilitates travel of the bearing assembly 206 along the arcuate slot 216. At least a portion of the first screw 304A is positioned within the arcuate slot 216. As shown, when the bearing assembly 206 is installed on the body 202, the top of the screw 304A is positioned above the top surface 240 of the upper plate 212.

[0065] A plurality of second sleeve bearings 308B are positioned between the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 302. When assembled, the outer surfaces of the second sleeve bearings 308B engage the outer side surface 219 of the second wing 217 and facilitate travel of the bearing assembly 206 along the second wing 217. The screws 304B are used to couple the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 302 together, and the pins 306 are positioned between the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 302. The second sleeve bearings 308B are installed on the screws 304B and the pins 306. As shown, the bearing assembly 206 includes six second sleeve bearings 308B. Two of the second sleeve bearings 308B surround two of the screws 304B, and four of the second sleeve bearings 308B are installed on four of the pins 306.

[0066] As shown, the bearing assembly 206 includes strips 310 that are used to further reduce friction between the bearing assembly 206 and the second wing 217. A first strip 310 is positioned between the top plate 300 and the top surface 250, and a second strip 310 is positioned between the bottom plate 302 and the bottom surface 252. In certain embodiments, the strips 310 are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW).

[0067] Blades (such as the blade 124) can be removably installed to the bearing assembly 206. In various embodiments, the blades are coupled to the bottom plate 302 and extend in a direction away from the bottom plate 302 and away from the top plate 300. In various embodiments, the blades are coupled to the bottom plate 302 by fasteners (such as screws or bolts) such that the blades are removable and / or replaceable.

[0068] It is to be understood that the drawings show only exemplary embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope of the application. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0069] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangement of the devices shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this document. Some elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] It is in no way intended to limit the scope of this document to any particular set of steps as the methods described herein can be practiced in other ways. Accordingly, no limitation is intended to be implied by the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps as recited in a method claim unless explicitly stated otherwise in the claim. Additionally, as used in this document, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items unless otherwise clearly indicated by context to be directed to only one item. Additionally, the words "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0071] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining can be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such joining can be permanent in nature, or alternatively can be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that the manner in which two members are coupled is such that the members move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by forces.

[0072] While the present application recites particular combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the present application are directed to any combination of any of the features described herein (whether currently claimed or not), and the application can be claimed as such. Any feature, element or component of any of the example embodiments discussed above can be used in combination with any other feature, element or component of any of the example embodiments discussed above.

[0073] In various different example embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, relative dimensions including angles, lengths and radii are to scale. Actual measurements of the figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of various different example embodiments. Various example embodiments extend to various ranges of absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that can be determined from the figures. Various example embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly stated in the specification can be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured from the figures in combination with explicit dimensions stated in the specification.

Claims

1. A hole saw comprising: a central axis; a body centered on the central axis, the body comprising a plurality of pairs of wings positioned radially about the central axis and extending away from the central axis, each pair of wings comprising: a first wing comprising an arcuate slot extending radially away from the central axis; and a second wing positioned below the first wing in a direction along the central axis; a mandrel centered on the central axis and coupled to the body, the mandrel comprising: a shaft configured to engage a driving tool; and a drill bit coupled to the mandrel opposite the shaft along the central axis and configured to engage a workpiece; and a plurality of blade assemblies configured to cut the workpiece, each blade assembly slidably mounted on a pair of wings of the plurality of pairs of wings, and at least a portion of each blade assembly positioned within a respective arcuate slot of a respective first wing; wherein each first wing of the plurality of pairs of wings rotates relative to the central axis when a first blade assembly of the plurality of blade assemblies moves along its respective pair of wings, and other blade assemblies of the plurality of blade assemblies move along their respective pairs of wings.

2. A hole saw according to claim 1 wherein, the body comprises three pairs of wings.

3. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein, each second wing of the plurality of pairs of wings extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis.

4. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein, each blade assembly further comprises a bearing positioned between the respective first wing and the respective second wing, the bearing configured to facilitate travel of the blade assembly along its respective pair of wings.

5. The hole saw of claim 1 wherein, each blade assembly further comprises a plurality of bearings engaged with an outer lateral surface of the respective second wing, the plurality of bearings configured to facilitate travel of the blade assembly along its respective pair of wings.

6. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein, each second wing of the plurality of pairs of wings further comprises a linear slot, wherein each linear slot overlaps at least a portion of the arcuate slot of the respective first wing.

7. A hole saw according to claim 6 wherein, each linear slot extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis.

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