Accessories for oscillating power tools

Abstract

An accessory (200) for an oscillating power tool (12) is provided. The accessory (200) includes an attachment portion (215) configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool (12); an elongated working portion (202) extending generally along a longitudinal axis (X), the working portion (202) having a rear end (210) coupled to the attachment portion (215), a front cutting edge (222) opposite the rear end (210), a first side edge (224) extending from the front cutting edge (222) to the rear end (210), and a second side edge (226) opposite the first side edge (224) and extending from the front cutting edge (222) to the rear end (210), the working portion (202) having a length of at least 89 mm (3.5 inches) from the rear end (210) to the front cutting edge (222); and one or more openings (290, 291, 292) defined in the working portion (202) and extending along the longitudinal axis (X). The one or more openings (290, 291, 292) collectively reduce a mass of the working portion (202) by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%. None of the natural frequencies of the accessory (200) are within an operating frequency range of the oscillating power tool (12).

Description

Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257ACCESSORIES FOR OSCILLATING POWER TOOLSCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 680,270, filed August 7, 2024, entitled "Extended Reach Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools" and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 818,373, filed June 5, 2025, entitled "Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools," each of which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to accessories (such as cutting tools and saw blades) for oscillating power tools.BACKGROUND

[0003] Oscillating power tools generally have a motor, an output shaft, and a transmission that connects the motor to the output shaft and converts rotary motion of the motor to oscillating motion of the output shaft. The output shaft is generally coupled to an accessory attachment mechanism that is used to removably attach various types of accessories, such as cutting tools, saw blades, and sanding tools, to the output shaft. It is desirable to have oscillating accessories for performing a variety of tasks.

[0004] Oscillating accessories, such as oscillating blades, have become very popular with users. However, the length of oscillating blades is limited as blades tend to fail when the blade exceeds a certain length. In particular, longer blades, for example, blades having a working portion of at least 3.5 inches in length, become unstable for the end user to handle, which may lead to poor cut quality and / or premature blade failure or breakage. Thus, longer oscillating blades that are more durable are desired.SUMMARY

[0005] Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along aTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion and extending along the longitudinal axis. The one or more openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%. None of the natural frequencies of the accessory are within an operating frequency range of the oscillating power tool.

[0006] In further embodiments of the present inventive concept. The elongated working portion may have an hourglass shape.

[0007] In still further embodiments of the present inventive concept, the attachment portion may include an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool. The anchor may be coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion. An intermediate portion may be disposed between the anchor and the working portion. The intermediate portion may be at an angle 4> to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion. The angle 4) may be approximately 40 to 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 4> may be less than 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 4> may be 0 degrees and the anchor and the working portion may be coplanar.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present inventive concept, the one or more openings may be a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may include a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end. The first opening may have a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening may have a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first maximum may be greater than the second maximum width.

[0009] In further embodiments, the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis. The first length may be greater than or less than the second length.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0010] In still further embodiments of the present inventive concept, the plurality of openings may include a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first opening may have a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening may have a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening may have a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first maximum width may be greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width may be greater than the third maximum width.

[0012] In further embodiments of the present inventive concept, a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between tangent lines may decrease from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

[0013] In still further embodiments, the cutting edge may be on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges. A front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion may be joined to the side edges.

[0014] In some embodiments, a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool may be less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.

[0015] In further embodiments, a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool may be less than or equal to 750 Mpa.

[0016] In still further embodiments, a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool may be less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool may be less than or equal to 12 mm.

[0018] In further embodiments, each of the one or more openings may have a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0019] In still further embodiments, the one or more openings may be aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the openings may have straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.

[0021] In further embodiments, the one or more openings may include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along tangent lines.

[0022] In still further embodiments, the tangent lines may intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

[0023] In some embodiments, a housing of the power tool may reach a temperature of less than 125 degrees and draws less than 2.8 amps of current.

[0024] Further embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion. A maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa. A maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0025] Still further embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, aTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion. The plurality of openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%. A maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion. The plurality of openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%. A maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0027] Further embodiments of the present inventive concept provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion and extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the one or more openings having a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves that are aligned along tangent lines that taperTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.Still further embodiments provide an accessory for an oscillating power tool. The accessory includes an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion. The attachment portions includes an anchor and an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the anchor and to the working portion. The angle between the working portion plane and the intermediate portion is less than or equal to 15 degrees.

[0028] Advantages may include one or more of the following. The oscillating accessories may have improved cut quality, durability, and life and be long enough to cut thicker pieces of wood. For example, the oscillating accessories may be long enough to completely plunge cut through a wider piece of wood (e.g., 2x4 studs). These and other advantages and features will be apparent from this application.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an oscillating power tool having an implementation of an accessory attachment mechanism.

[0030] FIG. IB a perspective view of a clamping plate of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 1A.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a top view of an implementation of an accessory for use with an oscillating power tool in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 2A.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0033] FIGS. 4A through 41 (samples 1 through 9) are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of accessories for use with an oscillating power tools having openings in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0034] FIGS. 5A through 5C (sample 1-Low angle) are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of accessories for use with an oscillating power tools having openings in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0035] FIGS. 6A through 6C (sample 10) are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of accessories for use with an oscillating power tools having openings in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0036] FIGS. 7A through 7C (sample 11) are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of accessories for use with an oscillating power tools having openings in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0037] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of conventional oscillating accessories having failures therein.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating blades with openings that bowed when used.

[0039] FIG. 10A is a chart illustrating various measurements related to samples 1 through 11 of Figs. 4A through 7C, respectively.

[0040] FIG. 10B is a chart illustrating natural frequency and max stress for samples 1 through 11 of Figs. 4A through 7C, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 10C is a chart illustrating natural frequency and max deformation for samples 1 through 11 of Figs. 4A through 7C, respectively.

[0042] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an accessory for use with an oscillating power tool having a single opening in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0043] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an accessory for use with oscillating power tools having clusters of small opening at each location in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0044] FIGS 13A through 13C are diagrams illustrating an accessory having a planar form in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] As discussed above, accessories, such as blades, for oscillating power tools have become very popular with users. However, the length of these oscillating blades is limited as these blades tend to fail when the blade exceeds a certain length. End users desire longer length oscillating blades that allow the user to cut, for example, a 2x4 stud (which measures 1.5" x 3.5") (e.g., the blade is at least 3.5" in length from the cutting edge to the bottom of an attachment portion). However, these longer blades may become unstable for the end user to handle and the blade and attachment portion may fail prematurely. Example damaged blades 500 are shown having fractures 595 therein in FIGS. 8A and 8B and bowing in FIG. 9. It is believed that such longer oscillating blades fail due to too much mass close to the cutting edge and the natural frequency of the blade being within the operating frequency range of oscillating power tools, which may create a resonance during operation.

[0046] Accordingly, some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide more stable blades by providing openings in the blade between the anchor and the cutting edge. These openings remove mass from the blade, particularly farther from the anchor. Removing mass from the blade makes the cutting portion less likely to undergo significant deformation and make the blade less likely to fail or fracture. The openings are placed in the body of the blade in specific configurations to retain integrity and rigidity of the blade, ensure sufficient thermal conductivity away from the cutting edge, while reducing the amount of deformation of the blade and stress on the blade. Further, the configuration of the openings allow the blade to beTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 tuned away from modal frequencies that may lead to destruction and / or destabilization of the blade, as will be discussed further herein with respect to the figures.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, in an implementation, an oscillating power tool 12 usable with the accessories described in this application is similar to oscillating power tools sold under the brand names DEWALT® and Porter-Cable® (e.g., the DEWALT ATOMIC™ 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool, Model No. DCS354B, sold by DeWalt Industrial Tool Co.) and is described further in U.S. Patent No. 8,925,931, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The power tool 12 includes a tool body 18 including a housing 20 that contains a motor 22 to drive an output member 24. An output spindle 26 is coupled to the motor 22 via a transmission 25 that converts rotary motion of the motor 22 to oscillating motion of the spindle 26. The output of the spindle 26 is coupled to an accessory attachment mechanism 10 via an output shaft 102. The accessory attachment mechanism 10 is configured to receive an accessory 100 (such as a saw blade, rasp, abrasive, etc.) and does not require the use of a separate tool to couple the accessory to the oscillating power tool (also known as a "tool-free" attachment mechanism). An exemplary tool-free attachment mechanism 10 includes a clamp assembly 30 having a first clamp member 36 fixedly coupled to the output spindle, a second clamp member 38 facing the first clamp member 36, and a lever 32 coupled to the second clamp member 38. The lever 32 includes a lever arm 40 with a user engagement portion 42 and a block 44. The lever 32 further includes a pivot portion 46 having a pivot axle 48. The second clamp member 38 includes a second clamp body 70 generally in the form of a ring having a central opening 72. The second clamp body 70 has a second clamping surface 74 having a plurality of mounting features 76 formed thereon. In the example shown, the plurality of mounting features 76 are in the form of male projections 78. In the particular example shown, the eight male projections 78 each have a circular cross section and a tapered shape or form. In another related implementation, the male projections may have an oblong, oval, or rectangular cross-section and may also be tapered. In other implementations, the accessory 100 may be configured for use with or adapted for use with other oscillating power tools and accessory mounting mechanisms for oscillating power tools, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 16 / 511,043; 15 / 893,610;Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025715 / 253,559; 15 / 065,024; 14 / 909,233; 14 / 909,247; and 12 / 798997; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,350,721; 10,137,592; 10,040,215; 9,670,998; 9,272,435; 9,346,183; 8,585,469; 8,182,316, each of which is incorporated by reference. Several implementations of accessories that can be coupled to the accessory attachment mechanism 10 are described below.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an implementation of an oscillating accessory 200 includes a working portion 202 with a front end 203 and an attachment portion 215 (e.g. an anchor 204 or a combination of the anchor 204 and an intermediate portion 232) with a rear end 210. In one implementation, the attachment portion 215 includes a plurality of recesses or openings 206 configured to couple the accessory 200 to an attachment mechanism of an oscillating power tool, such as the attachment mechanism 10 of the oscillating power tool 12 described above or the other attachment mechanisms for oscillating power tools incorporated by reference and listed above. The openings 206 may include a generally U-shaped opening 208 extending from a rear end 210 of the accessory 200 and terminating in a central portion 209 centered at a center point about which the accessory 200 oscillates when coupled to the power tool 10. A first set of three radial arm openings 212 are in communication with and extend radially outward from the central portion 208 at approximately 90°, approximately 180°, and approximately 270°, respectively, relative to the U-shaped opening 208. A second set of six radial openings 214 are spaced radially outward from and not in communication with the central portion 209, and are positioned at approximately 60°, approximately 120°, approximately 150°, approximately 210°, approximately 240°, and approximately 300° relative to the U-shaped opening 208. This configuration enables the attachment portion 215 to be coupled to a wide variety of brands of power tools. In other implementations, the attachment portion may have a configuration similar to those shown, e.g., in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,245,716 and 10,265,778, which are incorporated by reference. In certain implementations, the attachment portion may be universal or nearly universal and / or may be couplable to two or more the oscillating power tools described and incorporated by reference above.

[0049] It will be understood that the attachment portion 215 may include the anchor 204 or both the anchor 204 and the intermediate angled portion 232 that connects the anchor 204 toTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 the working portion in some embodiments. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 232 could be eliminated and in that case the attachment portion 215 is the anchor 204 and is directly attached to the working portion 202 so that the anchor 204 and the working portion 202 are co-planar as illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 13A through 13C. Also, the at least 3.5" length L of the working portion 202 starts at the rear end of the working portion 202 where it is coupled to the angled intermediate portion 232 and extends to the front cutting edge 228. However, not all accessories within the scope of the inventive concept will have an angled intermediate portion 232. In some embodiments, the working portion may be directly coupled to the attachment portion so that they lie in the same plane as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 13A through 13C . In addition, in the illustrated embodiments, the working portion 202 and the attachment portion 215 are formed as separate components and are attached to each other, e.g., by welding. However, in other embodiments, the working portion 202 and the attachment portion 215 may be formed from a single unitary piece of material.

[0050] The working portion 202 is coupled to the attachment portion 215 and extends generally along a longitudinal axis X. The working portion 202 has a body portion 203 bounded at least partially by a front cutting edge portion 222 with a plurality of teeth 228 opposite the rear end 210, a first lateral non-cutting edge 224 extending from a first end of the front cutting edge 222 toward the rear end 210, and a second lateral non-cutting edge 226 opposite the first lateral non-cutting edge 224 and extending from a second end of the front cutting edge 222 toward the rear end 210. As illustrated, the body portion 203 has a generally hourglass shape. In other implementations, the body 203 may have other shapes or configurations such as rectangular, trapezoidal, sector shaped, semi-circular shaped, wedge shaped, and the like without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front cutting edge portion 222 and its teeth 228 may be formed directly in the body 203. In some non-illustrated embodiments, the front cutting edge portion 222 and its teeth 228 may be formed as a separate front cutting edge portion that is coupled to a front end of the body, for example, by welding, brazing, adhesive, or otherTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 attachment mechanisms. Such a front cutting portion may be composed of a different material than the body 203. For example, the body 203 may be composed of a first metal (e.g., low carbon steel and / or tool steel) and the front cutting edge portion 222 may be composed of a second, harder metal (e.g., a high speed steel, such as M42 steel or Matrix 2 steel, for a bimetal accessory) or a hard metal compound (e.g., a carbide material for a carbide tooth accessory).

[0052] In some embodiments, the working portion 202 may have a rear end portion 220 that is connected to the intermediate portion 232 of the attachment portion 215. In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 3, the working portion 202 and the attachment portion 215 may substantially lie (or may have portions that substantially lie) in parallel planes that are offset from one another by a height H (e.g., approximately 0.3 inches to approximately 0.6 inches). The intermediate portion 232 may be disposed at a right angle or an acute angle(FIG. 3) to the anchor portion 204 of the attachment portion 215. For example, the angle 4> may be approximately 40 to 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle may be less than 15 degrees. This offset may make it easier for the blade 200 to be plunged deeper into a workpiece without interference from the clamp assembly 10 on the oscillating power tool 12. In other implementations, the angle 4> may be 0 degrees and the working portion 202 and the attachment portion 215 may be substantially co-planar (or have portions that are substantially co-planar) or may substantially lie (or have portions that substantially lie) in planes that are at an angle to one another. It will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the working portion 202 and the attachment portion 215 may not be planar but instead may have portions that substantially lie in or along a plane or may be curved.

[0053] In some embodiments, the teeth 228 on the front cutting edge 222 are asymmetrically arranged relative to the blade axis X. Although embodiments of the present inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 3 have a straight cutting edge 222, the cutting edge 222 may be slanted at an acute angle relative to the blade axis X without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0054] In some embodiments, the teeth 228 may each have the same size, form, shape, and spacing from adjacent teeth. In the illustrated implementation, each tooth 228 has a symmetrical triangular shape with rake faces joined at a cutting edge. In other implementations, the teeth 228 may have different and / or variable sizes, forms, shapes, and spacing.

[0055] In embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, the working portion 202 has a length L that is longer than in conventional oscillating accessory blades. For example, in some embodiments the working portion having a length L of at least 3.5 inches to accommodate users asking for a longer length oscillating blades that allow the user to cut, for example, a 2x4 stud (measuring 1.5" by 3.5" inches). In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of the working portion is measured from the rear end of the working portion where it is coupled to the intermediate portion 232 to the front cutting edge 228. In other embodiments, the accessory may not have an intermediate portion, and the working portion 202 may be coupled directly to anchor 204. As further illustrated, the working portion 202 of the accessory includes a plurality of openings 290, 291 and 292. The presence of these openings removes mass from the blade and allows the longer blade lengths to be provided without the blade becoming unstable for the end user to handle and causing the blade and anchor to fail from the natural frequency of the blade resonating within the operating frequency of the oscillating power tool. In the illustrated examples, the openings are through openings that extend entirely through the body of the accessory. In other implementations, the openings could be non-through openings, such as blind bores or recesses, that remove mass from the blade but that do not extend entirely through the blade.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the openings 290, 291 and 292 all have different shapes. It will be understood that although embodiments discussed herein have openings with a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the openings may be elliptical, circular, triangular, square, rectangular (generally with curved corners to reduce stress concentrations) and the like without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257

[0057] Thus, the shapes of the openings in Fig. 2 have a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves and are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

[0058] In embodiments of the present inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 2, the openings 290, 291 and 292 get smaller near the mounting point / intermediate portion 232 of the blade body 202 and wider near the teeth 228 or cutting edge 222. It will be understood that embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to these relative sizes of the openings 290, 291 and 292 illustrated in FIG. 2, these are provided as an example only.

[0059] Furthermore, although the openings 290, 291 and 292 and are illustrated in specific positions on the body 202 of the blade, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, FIGS. 4A through 4C, illustrate the openings 290, 291 and 292 shifted up and down the body 202 of the blade. FIG. 4A is similar to the positioning of the openings in FIG. 2, however, FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate the shifting of the openings away from the cutting edge. FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate embodiments where the openings have slightly different shapes than the openings in FIG. 4A through 4C and FIGS. 4F through 41 illustrate two opening embodiments. Furthermore, FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrates embodiment have three openings but a lower angle on the attachment portions. Finally FIGS. 6A through 7C illustrate additional configurations in accordance with embodiments discussed herein. FIGS. 4A through 7C are intended to illustrate various alternative embodiments of the openings and arrangements, however, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to the configurations set out therein. Details of the various embodiments are discussed further below.

[0060] Referring to FIGS 4A through 41, each of these figures are labeled Sample 1 through Sample 9, respectively. These Sample numbers are relevant to the charts and graphs of FIGS. 10A through 10C, which will be discussed below. Each of FIGS. 4A through 41 (Samples 1 through 9) are shown having openings of various shapes. The embodiments provided in FIGS. 4A through 41 have openings having a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves and areTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 aligned along tangent lines T that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis LA from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation. Although embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 41 have two or three openings, embodiments are not limited thereto. Embodiments may have one opening (FIGS. 11A and 11B) or more than three openings (FIGS. 12A and 12B) without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0061] As discussed above, it is believed that longer oscillating blades fail due to too much mass close to the cutting edge and the natural frequency of the blade being within the operating frequency range of oscillating power tools, which may create a resonance during operation. Thus, embodiments of the present inventive concept provide more stable blades by providing openings in the blade between the anchor and the cutting edge. These openings remove mass from the blade, particularly farther from the anchor. Removing mass from the blade makes the cutting portion less likely to undergo significant deformation (FIG. 9) and make the blade less likely to fail or fracture (FIGS. 8A and 8B). The openings are placed in the body of the blade in specific configurations to retain integrity and rigidity of the blade, ensure sufficient thermal conductivity away from the cutting edge, while reducing the amount of deformation of the blade and stress on the blade. Further, the configuration of the openings allow the blade to be "tuned away" from modal frequencies that may lead to destruction and / or destabilization of the blade.

[0062] In particular, embodiments of the present inventive concept aim to reduce the amount of deformation and stress in the blade by creating openings in the working portion, while still retaining enough of the blade for structural integrity and to allow for heat dissipation along the blade from the cutting edge. In some embodiments, the goal is to have a maximum stress of at most 1200 Mpa and, preferably at most 750 Mpa; a maximum deformation at the cutting edge of at most 20 mm, and preferably 12 mm). In some examples, blades may be considered "good" if the maximum stress is less than 1200 Mpa and the maximum deformation is less than 20 mm; "very good" if they have a combination of very low maximum stress (<750) and low maximum deformation (<20) or low maximum stress (<1200) and very low maximum deformation (<12);Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 and "excellent" if maximum stress is less than 750 Mpa and maximum deformation is less than 12 mm. However, it will be understood other values and combinations of maximum stress and maximum deformation may produce good, very good, or excellent blades without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0063] Providing blades with these targeted maximum stresses and maximum deformations are achieved in accordance with embodiments discussed herein by creating one or more openings to remove about 12-25% of the mass of the blade, with more mass removed toward the cutting end than toward the rear end, and avoiding the blade having any natural frequencies that are within the normal operating frequency range of most oscillating power tools, which is can be from about 300-370 Hz. Embodiments illustrated in the figures have openings having a convex shape including geodesic curves that are aligned along tangent lines T that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis LA from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation. This type of shape produces a more than functional blade especially as the openings are moved closer toward the cutting edge, such that a transverse line intersects the frontmost opening where the blade begins to flare out in the front.

[0064] FIGS. 4A through 41 illustrate nine blades that correspond to nine different sample designs that were tested, and thus are numbered as Samples 1-9 in the figures. Of these samples, Samples 2 and 3 have their second natural frequency within the operating frequency range of the power tool and performed poorly with very high stresses and deformations. Sample 6 is "good" because the stress < 1200 and the deformation < 20. Samples 4, 5, and 7 are "very good" because they have a combination of very low stress (<750) and low deformation (<20) or low stress (<1200) and very low deformation (<12). Samples 1, 8, and 9 are "excellent" because they have both very low stress (<750) and very low deformation (<12). These results are illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10C.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 5A through 5C, sample 1-low angle will be discussed. As implied by having the same sample number, 1, embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C are similar to Sample 1 discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, sample 1Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257- low angle has the same three openings as sample 1, FIG. 4A, in the same locations. However, unlike sample 1, the attachment portion 215 is different. In most oscillating blades, including samples 1-9, the angle 0 (Fig. 5C) is generally about 40° to 45°. In embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the angle 0 is less than 15°, e.g., approximately 10° tol5°. As illustrated in the charts and graphs of FIGS. 10A through 10C, the second natural frequency (353 Hz) of Sample 1- low angle-is well within the operating frequency range of an oscillating power tool, the max stress and the max deformation of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C are superior to those discussed with respect to samples 1-9. Thus, the reduced angle 0 may improve the performance of extended reach blades discussed herein. A similar reduced angle of approximately 10° to 15° may be used with other oscillating blades disclosed in this application and are expected to have improvements in performance as compared to using an angle of about 40° to 45°.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6C (Sample 10), a further embodiment of the working portion will be discussed. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, sample 10 has a single opening 694 towards a front of the blade portion by the cutting edge 228. The opening 694 has a generally triangular shape with curved corners. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C has approximately 4% mass removed and has a second natural frequency (368 Hz) that is at the upper end of the operating range for oscillating power tools (300-370 Hz), but with a max stress (954 Mpa) that is "good" and a max deformation (1.7 mm) that is excellent.

[0067] Figs. 7A through 7C (Sample 11) illustrate a further embodiment of the working portion. As illustrated, the embodiment in FIGS. 7A through 7C has two openings 795 and 796. Opening 795 has a generally triangular shape with curved corners and is positioned near the cutting edge 228. Opening 796 may be diamond shaped with curved corners and is positioned further from the cutting edge 228. In other embodiments, the opening 796 may have a convex shape with geodesic curves similar to the openings in Samples 1-9. These embodiments have natural frequencies (65, 385, 445) that are well outside the natural frequency range of operation of the power tool (300-370 Hz). The max stress (1046 Mpa) is also good and the max deformation (2 mm) is excellent. Thus, embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A through 7C illustrate that removingTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 mass from the front end portion of the blade and substantially avoiding natural frequencies within the operating frequency range of the power tools may result in longer life for extended reach oscillating blades.

[0068] FIG. 10A illustrates the following values for Samples 1, 1-low angle through 11, percentage mass removed from the blade, first natural frequency, second natural frequency, third natural frequency, max stress measure in Mpa, max deformation of the blade measured in mm, a first distance DI between the cutting edge and a front end of the forwardmost opening and a second distance D2 between the cutting edge and a rear end of the rearmost opening. FIG. 10B illustrates the values of FIG. 10A in a bar graph (natural frequency and max stress).FIG. 10C illustrates the same values as FIG. 10A in a bar graph (natural frequency and max deformation).

[0069] As discussed above, embodiments are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 7C. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a design having a single opening that tapers towards the anchor as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. Similarly, FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a blade having clusters of small circular or elliptical openings, which are collectively aligned similarly.

[0070] It will be understood that blades having openings in accordance with embodiments discussed herein improve the efficiency and runtime of the power tool to which they are coupled. When using a conventional extended reach blade without any openings, the housing of the tool may reach a temperature of greater than 200°F (which would make it difficult for an operator to grasp) and would draw greater than 4.0 amps of current. In contrast, when using blades in accordance with embodiments discussed herein the housing of the tool may reach a temperature of less than 125°F and draw less than 2.8 amps of current. Drawing less current to do the same amount of work means that the battery can run for a longer period of time before fully discharging.

[0071] As discussed above, embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a blade that is able to cut a 2x4 in the long direction with an oscillating blade having a length of at least 3.5 inches in cut length before the shank. Existing long blades do not have this level of reach andTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 may fracture or fail if produced in this length. The oscillation and long swing / mass of conventional long blades cause failure modes in both the anchor and the working portions. Embodiments of the present inventive concept remove material in the working portion of the blade to reduce mass by creating openings of various shapes in the working portion.

[0072] Example implementations have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and to fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of implementations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example implementations may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example implementations, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0074] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to,"Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0075] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example implementations.

[0076] Terms of degree such as "generally," "substantially," "approximately," and "about" may be used herein when describing the relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values of various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These terms mean that such relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values are within the defined range or comparison (e.g., equal or close to equal) with sufficient precision as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections being described.

[0077] Numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary implementations described above. These and other implementations are within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion and extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%; and wherein none of the natural frequencies of the accessory are within an operating frequency range of the oscillating power tool.

2. The accessory of Claim 1, wherein the elongated working portion has an hourglass shape.

3. The accessory of one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool.

4. The accessory of Claim 3, wherein the anchor is coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion.

5. The accessory of one of Claims 3 or 4, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-02576. The accessory of Claim 5, wherein the intermediate portion is at an angle to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion.

7. The accessory of Claim 6, wherein the angle is approximately 40 to 45 degrees.

8. The accessory of one of Claims 1-7, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

9. The accessory of Claim 8, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end.

10. The accessory of Claim 9, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

11. The accessory of Claim 10, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis.

12. The accessory of Claim 11, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

13. The accessory of one of Claims 11 or 12, wherein the first length is less than the second length.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025714. The accessory of one of Claims 9-13, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.

15. The accessory of Claim 14, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening has a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width greater than the third maximum width.

16. The accessory of Claim 15, wherein a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between tangent lines decreases from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

17. The accessory of one of Claims 1-16, wherein the cutting edge is on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges, and wherein a front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion is joined to the side edges.

18. The accessory of one of Claims 1-17, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.

19. The accessory of Claim 18, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 750 Mpa.

20. The accessory of one of Claims 1-19, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025721. The accessory of Claim 20, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 12 mm.

22. The accessory of one of Claims 1-21, wherein each of the one or more openings has a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.

23. The accessory of one of Claims 1-22, wherein the one or more openings are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

24. The accessory of Claim 23, wherein each of the openings has straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.

25. The accessory of one of Claims 22-24, wherein the one or more openings include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along tangent lines.

26. The accessory of Claim 25, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

27. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; andTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 one or more openings defined in the working portion, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa; and wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

28. The accessory of Claim 27, wherein the elongated working portion has an hourglass shape.

29. The accessory of one of Claim 26 or 27, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool.

30. The accessory of Claim 29, wherein the anchor is coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion.

31. The accessory of one of Claim 29 or 30, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion.

32. The accessory of Claim 31, wherein the intermediate portion is at an angle to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion.

33. The accessory of Claim 32, wherein the angle is approximately 40 to 45 degrees.

34. The accessory of any one of Claims 27-33, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

35. The accessory of Claim 34, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025736. The accessory of Claim 35, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

37. The accessory of Claim 36, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis.

38. The accessory of Claim 37, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

39. The accessory of Claim 37, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

40. The accessory of Claim 34, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.

41. The accessory of Claim 40, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening has a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width greater than the third maximum width.

42. The accessory of Claim 41, wherein a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between tangent lines decreases from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

43. The accessory of any of Claims 27-42, wherein the cutting edge is on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges, andTitle: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 wherein a front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion is joined to the side edges.

44. The accessory of any one of Claims 27-43, wherein each of the one or more openings has a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.

45. The accessory of any one of Claims 27-44, wherein the one or more openings are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

46. The accessory of Claim 45, wherein each of the openings has straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.

47. The accessory of Claim 45, wherein the one or more openings include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along the tangent lines.

48. The accessory of Claim 45, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

49. The accessory of any one of Claims 27-48, wherein a housing of the power tool reaches a temperature of less than 125 degrees and draws less than 2.8 amps of current.

50. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite theT1Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power ToolsApplicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257 rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion, wherein the plurality of openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%; and wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.

51. The accessory of Claim 50, wherein the elongated working portion has an hourglass shape.

52. The accessory of one of Claim 50 or 51, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool.

53. The accessory of Claim 52, wherein the anchor is coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion.

54. The accessory of one of Claim 52 or 53, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion.

55. The accessory of Claim 54, wherein the intermediate portion is at an angle to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion.

56. The accessory of Claim 55, wherein the angle is approximately 40 to 45 degrees.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025757. The accessory of any one of Claims 50-56, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

58. The accessory of Claim 57, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end.

59. The accessory of Claim 58, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

60. The accessory of Claim 59, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis.

61. The accessory of Claim 60, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

62. The accessory of Claim 60, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

63. The accessory of Claim 57, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.

64. The accessory of Claim 63, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening has a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width greater than the third maximum width.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025765. The accessory of Claim 64, wherein a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between tangent lines decreases from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

66. The accessory of any of Claims 50-65, wherein the cutting edge is on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges, and wherein a front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion is joined to the side edges.

67. The accessory of any of Claims 50-66, wherein each of the one or more openings has a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.

68. The accessory of any of Claims 50-67, wherein the one or more openings are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

69. The accessory of Claim 68, wherein each of the openings has straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.

70. The accessory of Claim 67, wherein the one or more openings include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along tangent lines.

71. The accessory of Claim 70, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025772. The accessory of any of Claims 50-71, wherein a housing of the power tool reaches a temperature of less than 125 degrees and draws less than 2.8 amps of current.

73. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion, wherein the plurality of openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%; and wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

74. The accessory of Claim 73, wherein the elongated working portion has an hourglass shape.

75. The accessory of one of Claim 73 or 74, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool.

76. The accessory of Claim 75, wherein the anchor is coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion.

77. The accessory of one of Claim 75 or 76, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025778. The accessory of Claim 77, wherein the intermediate portion is at an angle to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion.

79. The accessory of Claim 78, wherein the angle is approximately 40 to 45 degrees.

80. The accessory of any of Claims 73-79, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

81. The accessory of Claim 80, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end.

82. The accessory of Claim 81, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

83. The accessory of Claim 82, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis.

84. The accessory of Claim 83, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

85. The accessory of Claim 83, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

86. The accessory of Claim 80, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025787. The accessory of Claim 86, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening has a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width greater than the third maximum width.

88. The accessory of Claim 87, wherein a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between tangent lines decreases from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

89. The accessory of any of Claims 73-88, wherein the cutting edge is on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges, and wherein a front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion is joined to the side edges.

90. The accessory of any of Claims 73-89, wherein each of the one or more openings has a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.

91. The accessory of any of Claim 73-90, wherein the one or more openings are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

92. The accessory of Claim 91, wherein each of the openings has straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025793. The accessory of one of Claim 90 or 91, wherein the one or more openings include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along the tangent lines.

94. The accessory of any of Claims 91-93, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

95. The accessory of any of Claims 73-94, wherein a housing of the power tool reaches a temperature of less than 125 degrees and draws less than 2.8 amps of current.

96. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion and extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the one or more openings having a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves that are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

97. The accessory of Claim 96, wherein each of the openings has straight side edges aligned along tangent lines and curved front and rear edges connecting the side edges.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-025798. The accessory of one of Claim 95 and 96, wherein the one or more openings include a grouping of openings that together approximate a convex shape aligned along the tangent lines.

99. The accessory of any of Claims 96-98, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

100. The accessory of any of Claims 96-99, wherein the one or more openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%.

101. The accessory of any of Claims 96-100, wherein none of the natural frequencies of the accessory are within an operating frequency range of the oscillating power tool.

102. The accessory of any of Claims 96-101, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings defined in the working portion, the plurality of openings including a first opening closer to the cutting edge to reduce a first amount of mass in a front portion of the working portion and a second opening closer to the attachment portion to reduce a second amount of mass in a rear portion of the working portion, the first amount of mass being greater than the second amount of mass.

103. The accessory of any of Claims 96-102, wherein the elongated working portion has an hourglass shape.

104. The accessory of any of Claims 96-103, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the oscillating power tool.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257105. The accessory of Claim 104, wherein the anchor is coupled directly to the rear end of the working portion.

106. The accessory of one of Claim 103 or 104, further comprising an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion.

107. The accessory of Claim 105, wherein the intermediate portion is at an angle to the anchor and to the working portion such that the working portion is in a plane that is parallel to the attachment portion.

108. The accessory of Claim 107, wherein the angle is approximately 40 to 45 degrees.

109. The accessory of any of Claims 96-108, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

110. The accessory of Claim 109, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end.

111. The accessory of Claim 110, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

112. The accessory of Claim 111, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257113. The accessory of Claim 112, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

114. The accessory of Claim 112, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

115. The accessory of Claim 110, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closest to the front cutting edge, a third opening closest to the rear end, and a second opening between the first opening and the second opening.

116. The accessory of Claim 115, wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the third opening has a third maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width and the second maximum width greater than the third maximum width.

117. The accessory of Claim 116, wherein a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis between the tangent lines decreases from the cutting edge toward the rear end.

118. The accessory of any of Claims 96-117, wherein the cutting edge is on a cutting edge portion that flares outward to a greater width than a width between the side edges, and wherein a front end of a frontmost of the one or more openings intersects a transverse line that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the cutting edge portion is joined to the side edges.

119. The accessory of any of Claim 96-118, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257120. The accessory of any of Claims 96-119, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 750 Mpa.

121. The accessory of any of Claims 96-120, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

122. The accessoryof Claim 121, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 12 mm.

123. An accessory for an oscillating power tool comprising: an attachment portion configured to be coupled to an oscillating power tool; an elongated working portion extending generally along a longitudinal axis, the working portion having a rear end coupled to the attachment portion, a front cutting edge opposite the rear end, a first side edge extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending from the front cutting edge to the rear end, the working portion having a length of at least 3.5 inches from the rear end to the front cutting edge; and one or more openings defined in the working portion, wherein the attachment portion comprises an anchor and an intermediate portion disposed between the anchor and the working portion; wherein the intermediate portion coupled to the anchor and to the working portion; and wherein an angle between the working portion plane and the intermediate portion is less than or equal to 15 degrees.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257124. The accessory of Claim 123: wherein the one or more openings collectively reduce a mass of the working portion by between approximately 4% and approximately 25%; and wherein none of the natural frequencies of the accessory are within an operating frequency range of the oscillating power tool.

125. The accessory of one of Claim 123 or 124, wherein the working portion is parallel to the attachment portion and the angle is 10 to 15 degrees.

125. The accessory of Claim 123, wherein the working portion co-planar with the attachment portion and the angle is 0 degrees.

126. The accessory of any of Claims 123-125, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings.

127. The accessory of Claim 126, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening closer to the front cutting edge and a second opening closer to the rear end, and wherein the first opening has a first maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second maximum width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, the first maximum width greater than the second maximum width.

128. The accessory of Claim 127, wherein the first opening has a first length measured along the longitudinal axis and the second opening has a second length measured along the longitudinal axis, and the first length is greater than the second length.

129. The accessory of one of Claims 123-128, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 1200 Mpa.Title: Accessories for Oscillating Power Tools Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.Atty. Docket No. 1076-0014WO / P-WO-TN-2023-0257130. The accessory of Claim 129, wherein a maximum stress in the accessory when operating with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 750 Mpa.

131. The accessory of one of Claims 123-130, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 20 mm.

132. The accessory of Claim 131, wherein a maximum displacement of the cutting edge when operating the accessory with the oscillating power tool is less than or equal to 12 mm.

133. The accessory of one of Claims 123-132, wherein each of the one or more openings has a convex shape comprised of geodesic curves.

134. The accessory of Claim 133, wherein the one or more openings are aligned along tangent lines that taper inward relative to the longitudinal axis from the front cutting edge toward the rear end to approximate a sweep angle of the accessory during operation.

135. The accessory of Claim 134, wherein the tangent lines intersect each other along the longitudinal axis adjacent the rear end of the working portion and rearward of a rearward most opening of the one or more openings.

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