Power Tool Attachment Cover

Abstract

Title: Power Tool Attachment Cover Cover having an elongated housing (3) comprising an upper portion (3a), a lower portion (3b) connected and an input gear (9) connected to the output of a screwdriver, and an output gear (11) connected by a first intermediate gear (13a). The flexible elastomer cover comprises a first portion (21) for covering the lower half, and - a second portion (22) for covering the upper half, these first and second portions being connected to a first end (2a) of the cover by a flexible portion (23). Figure 2a

Description

Title of the invention: Power tool attachment part cover FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for a power tool attachment part. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Power tool fasteners are generally used in tight spaces when it is not possible to use a conventional power tool to access a screw or nut in an assembly to be tightened. Power tool fasteners are also called: goose feet, face piece fastener or offset fastener; they comprise a set of gears that transmit rotational motion from an input gear to an output gear. The gears are generally arranged in rows, tooth against tooth, in an elongated housing.

[0003] Since power tool fasteners are generally used in a confined area, one of the difficulties is that the fastener comes into contact with and scratches various components during the assembly process.

[0004] Attempts have been made to provide power tool fasteners with various means to prevent scratches. An example of such possibilities includes various types of coating applied to the fastener. However, these solutions have disadvantages because they must be applied during their initial manufacture and thus have great flexibility and little or no possibility of retooling. Similarly, if applied during initial manufacture, these solutions considerably complicate the manufacturing process and thus increase time losses.

[0005] Other examples include providing the power tool attachment parts with different types of covers to prevent contact with surfaces and scratches. In addition, the covers complicate the use and operation of the tool and thus increase the operational complexity.

[0006] Similarly, the shape of the power tool attachment parts includes outlet interfaces, etc. so that it is difficult to have covers that are both suitable and easy to handle and install on the tool.

[0007] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of existing solutions and to develop a cover for a motorized tool attachment part, in particular to develop a cover for a motorized tool attachment part which makes it possible to effectively avoid scratches, in particular, a cover which adapts easily and in safety to the tool attachment part. The invention also aims to develop a cover and a kit.

[0009] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The subject of the invention is a cover for a motorized tool attachment part for at least partially covering a motorized tool attachment part,

[0011] this fixing part having:

[0012] - an elongated housing comprising an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion lower part of the housing connected to the upper part of the housing,

[0013] - an input gear to be connected to an output shaft of a screwdriver, the input gear being at a first end of the housing,

[0014] - an output gear with an output interface, this output gear being at the second end of the housing, and

[0015] - a first intermediate gear inside the housing for transmitting the torque from input gear to output gear,

[0016] the cover being made of a flexible elastomeric material and it comprises:

[0017] - a first cover part for, in use, at least partially covering the lower half of the elongated case, and

[0018] - a second cover part for, in use, at least partially covering the upper half of the elongated case,

[0019] - the first and second parts are connected to a first end of the cover by a flexible part, and

[0020] the first and second portions are separated by a slot extending from the second end of the cover toward the flexible portion thereby allowing the power tool attachment piece to be inserted through the slot.

[0021] In other words, the subject of the invention is a cover for a power tool attachment part such as a screwdriver for at least partially covering this power tool attachment part which consists of an elongated housing comprising an upper housing part and a lower housing part connected to the upper part, an input gear for being connected to the output shaft of a power tool, this input gear being at a first end of the housing and an output gear as an output interface at the second end of the housing as well as an intermediate gear or gears in the housing, the assembly being configured to transmit the torque of the input gear or output gear and the cover being made of a flexible elastomeric material composed of a first cover part for, in operation, at least partially covering the lower half of the elongated housing and a second cover part for, in operation,at least partially covering the upper half of the elongated housing, the first and second portions being connected at a first end of the cover by a flexible portion and the first and second portions being separate, of a slot extending from the second end of the flexible portion cover thereby allowing the tool attachment piece to be inserted through the slot in the cover.

[0022] According to the first development, the power tool attachment part cover constitutes a very interesting solution to meet the above objectives by a design made of a flexible elastomeric material and comprising a first and a second cover part at least partially separated by a slot while remaining connected by a flexible part which facilitates the installation of the cover on the power tool attachment part which can be easily inserted through the slot; this can also be called a "gap" or "opening".

[0023] The slot or gap in some embodiments extends from the second end of the cover to the flexible portion. The slot or gap in this embodiment extends from the second end on both sides of the cover (thus in operation on both sides of the elongated housing) to the flexible portion such that the first and second cover portions can be completely separated, except for the flexible portion.

[0024] The slot or gap may, in some embodiment, run from the first side of the connecting portion to the second side of the connecting portion, i.e., in operation along the entire length of the elongate housing and thus along the entire length of the cover (except for the portion left to form the connecting portion). This may also be referred to as the circumference of the housing and thus the circumference of the cover; the circumference is that of a section in a plane normal to the output axis. The slot may, further, in some embodiments be described as providing a gap partially separating the first and second cover portions so that the cover, i.e., its first and second portions, may open in two (while retaining the flexible portion) to facilitate insertion of the power tool attachment.

[0025] In some embodiments, a portion of the slot is formed by other openings along the periphery (an opening to allow the part number or such information to be read). Thus, the slot and the other openings generally form the gap separating the cover portions. In any case, the slot (and possibly other openings) allow the opening along the periphery of the cover separating the first and second cover portions so that it can open to facilitate insertion of the power tool attachment part.

[0026] Furthermore, since the flexible cover parts can open in a jaw-like manner, which can also be described as rotation of the cover parts, by pivoting relative to the flexible part, the introduction of the motorized tool part is further facilitated, as is the case in the case of bases or handles, in particular, relatively long which, under other conditions, make it difficult to fit a cover, and which are used with the power tool attachment part.

[0027] Thus, the cover according to the invention, defined above, provides guaranteed fixing of the cover to the fixing part of the motorized tool and constitutes a practical device for covering this part regardless of the shape and size of the part as such, output interface and / or the type of base used where appropriate.

[0028] The power tool attachment may be an attachment for any power tool such as a hand tool, for example, a pneumatic or electric tool, where appropriate, battery powered. Such examples include tightening tools such as screwdrivers of any of the above types.

[0029] The external design, i.e. the shape of the cover, composed of the first and second parts is adapted, appropriately to the shape of the power tool attachment part which receives the cover. For example, the shape of the first and second parts of certain embodiments, described, corresponds to the shape of the surface of the attachment part to be covered while, in other embodiments, a more generic shape is sufficient.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the cover constitute first and second halves of the cover, these first and second halves being defined by the cross-section in a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the slot extends over at least 50% of the entire length of the cover, for example, 70% of the total length of the cover. This provides a very large opening which facilitates the installation of the attachment part of the power tool. In one embodiment, the slot extends along the length of the cover as far as the flexible portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the flexible part is integral with the first cover part or the second cover part. This continues the advantages of manufacturing and those of a uniform cover.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the flexible portion constitutes a hinge. In one embodiment, the slot extends from the second end of the cover over the hinge portion. The slot (or gap) may, in this embodiment, extend from the second end of both sides of the cover (and thus in operation on both sides of the elongate housing) to the hinge section so that the first and second cover portions can be separated completely except for the section forming the hinge.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the flexible part constitutes an active hinge. The active hinge or integral hinge is, by definition, a connecting part of the cover that is thin and flexible enough to allow movement between the first and second cover parts. The living joint may be cut or thinned to facilitate bending. The living joint in such an embodiment is made of the same material as the first and second parts.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the flexible portion is adapted to, in operation, be for the second end of the elongated housing. Thus, the flexible portion or connecting portion is located at the outlet or front end of the power tool attachment part and thus provide complete protection against the front portion of the power tool attachment part scraping the surfaces, both portions being attachable to the back or inlet end of the elongated housing. In such an embodiment, the slot extends along and partially around the first end of the elongated housing and thus the inlet end or interface.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the cover is adapted to, in operation, come from the first end of the elongated housing to the second end of the elongated housing. Thus, the entire length of the housing is covered to more effectively prevent scratches.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises an integrated lock for securing the cover to the elongated housing of the power tool attachment. According to one embodiment, the first and second portions each comprise respective locking means for interlocking when the cover portions are on the elongated housing.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first cover portion and / or the second portion comprise an engagement structure for cooperating with the corresponding adapted structure at the second end of the fixing piece and / or holding the cover on the fixing piece.

[0039] According to one development, the engagement structure and the inner surface of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion are congruent with the balanced surface at the second end of the fastener.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the cover covers at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing, for example, at least 75% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing. In some embodiments, the cover covers more or less the entire tool attachment except for the input / output portion, the attachment part(s) cooperate with the power tool and the assembly. In other embodiments, the portions of the elongated housing may remain exposed facilitating access to the grease fitting or the like and visibility of the item number.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the cover is made of a material chosen from the group comprising: PUR polyurethane, TPU thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone rubber or natural rubber. The silicone rubber is durable, has It has high elasticity and is soft, which softens surfaces. PUR polyurethane also has the desired properties and high resistance to abrasion and chemicals. PUR and TPU materials offer similar benefits with improved properties.

[0042] Suitable manufacturing processes may be additive manufacturing (3D printing, injection molding, vacuum casting and blow molding).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the motorized tool attachment part is a goose foot.

[0044] According to a development, the invention also relates to a kit comprising a power tool attachment part and a power tool attachment part cover according to the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a socket that attaches to the output interface of the tool attachment part. The objectives, advantages and features of the kit designed within the scope of the invention are readily apparent from the above disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig-1] exploded view of an embodiment of a motorized tool attachment part,

[0047] [Fig.2a] Perspective view of an embodiment of a tool fixing part motorized and motorized tool attachment cover according to one embodiment,

[0048] [Fig.2b] perspective view of an example of a motorized tool attachment part and motorized tool attachment cover according to one embodiment,

[0049] [Fig.2c] perspective view of an example of a motorized tool attachment part and motorized tool attachment cover according to one embodiment,

[0050] [Fig.3] Perspective view of an example of a motorized tool attachment part and motorized tool attachment cover according to one embodiment,

[0051] [Fig.4] perspective view of an example of a motorized tool attachment part and motorized tool attachment cover according to one embodiment,

[0052] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] An example of a power tool attachment part is shown in the exploded view of [Fig.l]; in this example, it is a so-called closed-end attachment part 1 comprising an elongated housing 3 with an upper part 3a and a lower part 3b connected to the upper part. An input gear 9 is configured to be connected to the output shaft of an adjustable wrench, provided at the first end 1a of the housing 3 and an output gear 11 at the output interface 11a which can receive, for example, a socket, at the second end 1b of the housing 3. In the embodiment shown, the two intermediate gears 13a, 13b are inside the housing 3; they are configured to transmit the torque of the input gear 9 to the output gear 11. An adapter 50 is attached to the power tool attachment part (not shown). Such power tool attachment parts are often referred to as "crow's feet" and their operation is known per se in the art and will not be described in further detail.

[0054] Figures 2a and 2b show a power tool attachment intended to cover the elongated housing 3; in the embodiment shown, the cover 2 extends between the first end 1a of the elongated housing 3 and its second end 1b, covering most of the housing.

[0055] The cover 2 which is made of a flexible elastomeric material such as TPU comprises a first cover part 21 covering in use as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the lower half 3b of the elongated housing 3 and a second cover part 22 covering the upper half 3a of the elongated housing 3. The second part 22 has a first opening 31 to allow the adapter 50 to protrude from the cover and a second opening 32 allowing access to the output interface 11a. The first part 21 is provided with two similar holes 33 and 34 and in addition an elongated opening 35 reveals the part number of the power tool attachment part.

[0056] The first and second parts 21, 22 are connected to the first end 2a of the cover 2 by a flexible part 23 forming a section of the joint; furthermore they are separated by a slot 24 running from the second end 2b of the cover to the flexible part 23. In the embodiment shown, the slot 24 reaches the opening 35 on the side of the elongated housing; the opening 35 is thus part of the slot 24 or gap provided along the periphery of the cover 2 allowing the motorized tool attachment part to be easily inserted.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the flexible portion 23 is integral with the first cover portion 21 and the second cover portion 22; the flexible portion 23 is made of TPU. As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the connection portion 23 is at the second end 1b of the elongate housing, thus being adjacent to the outlet interface 11a.

[0058] [Fig.2c] shows the cover 2 alone, composed of the first and second parts 21, 22 and the flexible part 23 without the power tool attachment part. As shown in [Fig.2c], the cover 2 of this embodiment further comprises an integrated locking means 40 for securing the cover 2 to the elongated housing 3 of the attachment part. More particularly, the first and second parts 21, 22 each have a respective locking means 41, 42. The locking means 41, 42 are formed in the respective inner surface of the first and second cover parts 21, 22 and are adapted to cooperate with correspondingly adapted structures provided at the second end of the attachment part. power tool attachment for holding / attaching the cover 2 to the power tool attachment part.

[0059] [Fig. 3] shows a power tool attachment part which has received a cover 2 according to one embodiment, to partly cover the elongated housing 3. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], however, the cover 2 has been designed to cover only some of the edges and parts of the housing 3. Various openings and cutouts as shown in the figure, have been provided on both sides of the housing as well as on the top and bottom to allow access, for example, to nipples and to leave the part number visible.

[0060] The cover 2 is, moreover, similar to the embodiment of figures 2a and 2b made of a flexible elastomeric material such as TPU and comprising a first cover part 21 partially covering the lower half 3b of the elongated housing and a second cover part 22 partially covering the upper half 3a of the elongated housing 3. The first and second parts 21, 22 are connected to the first end 2a of the cover 2 by a flexible part 23 which, in the embodiment, forms a hinge section integral with the first and second parts 21, 22; furthermore, they are separated by a slot 24 extending from the second end 2b of the cover to the flexible part 23; in the embodiment shown, the slot 24 reaches the openings provided on the side of the elongated housing 3. Thus, the slot 24 and the openings form the gap separating the cover parts 21, 22.

[0061] [Fig.4] shows a power tool attachment part 1 called an "open end" which has received a attachment part cover 2 to cover the elongated housing 3.

[0062] As in the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the cover 2 of [Fig.4] has been designed to connect the first end 1a of the elongated housing 3 to the second end 1b of the elongated housing 3 and cover the greater part of the housing 3; the cover comprises a first cover part 21 for covering the lower half 3b of the elongated housing and a second cover part 22 for covering the upper half 3a of the elongated housing 3.

[0063] The first and second cover parts 21, 22 are connected to the first end 2a of the cover 2 by two flexible parts 23a, 23b adjacent to the outlet end and further separated by a slot 24 running from the second end 2b of the cover to the flexible parts 23a, 23b through the opening 35 on the side of the elongated housing 3.

Claims

Claims

1. A power tool attachment cover (2) for at least partially covering a power tool attachment (1), said attachment having: - an elongated housing (3) comprising an upper housing portion (3a) and a lower housing portion (3b) connected to the upper housing portion, - an input gear (9) for connecting to an output shaft of a screwdriver, the input gear (9) being at a first end (1a) of the housing (3), - an output gear (11) with an output interface (11a), said output gear (11) being at the second end (1b) of the housing (3), and - a first intermediate gear (13a) inside the housing (3) for transmitting torque from the input gear (9) to the output gear (11), the cover being made of a flexible elastomeric material and comprising: - a first cover portion (21) for use,at least partially covering the lower half of the elongated housing, and - a second cover portion (22) for in use, at least partially covering the upper half of the elongated housing, - the first and second portions are connected at a first end (2a) of the cover by a flexible portion (23), and the first and second portions are separated by a slot (24) extending from the second end (2b) of the cover to the flexible portion thereby allowing the power tool attachment piece to be inserted through the slot.,

2. A fastener cover according to claim 1, wherein the slot extends over at least 50% of the total length of the cover so as to leave at least 70% of the total length of the cover.

3. A fastener cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slot extends along the length of the cover over the entire flexible portion.

4. A fastener cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion is integral with the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion.

5. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion (23) forms a hinge section.

6. A power tool attachment cover according to claim 5, wherein the flexible portion is a living joint.

7. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion is configured to be operatively at the second end of the elongate housing.

8. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, adapted to in operation extend from the first end of the elongate housing (3) to the second end of the housing (3).

9. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the first cover portion or the second cover portion includes an engagement structure for cooperating with a corresponding mating structure at the second end of the power tool attachment.

10. A power tool attachment cover according to claim 9, wherein the engaging structure is an interior surface of the first cover portion or the second congruent portion has a mating surface at the second end of the power tool attachment.

11. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover covers at least 50% of the valve of the elongated housing, including 75% of the surface of the elongated housing.

12. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is made of a material selected from a group comprising: polyurethane (PUR), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone rubber.

13. A power tool attachment cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the power tool attachment is a goose foot.

14. A kit comprising a power tool attachment part comprising: - an elongated housing (3) comprising an upper housing portion (3a) and a lower housing portion (3b) connected to the upper housing portion, - an input gear (9) for connection to the output shaft of a motorized wrench, the input gear (9) being at the first end of the housing (3), - an output gear (11) with an output interface (11a), the output gear (11) being at the second end of the housing (3), and - a first intermediate gear (13a) inside the housing (3) and configured to transmit torque from the input gear (9) to the output gear (11), and - a power tool attachment part cover according to any one of the preceding claims.

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