Power tool

Abstract

This invention relates to a power tool (10) for working and shaping materials and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a battery (12) powered power tool. In accordance with this invention there is provided a power tool (10) comprising: an elongate tubular body (13) having a bit receiving end with a bit receiving means for receiving a bit, a handle section at a handle end, the body (13) includes a curved section between the handle section and the bit receiving end such that an axis of the handle end and an axis of the bit receiving end define a first plane and a second plane.

Description

[0001] POWER TOOL

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a power tool for working and shaping materials and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a battery powered power tool.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] Handheld power tools have revolutionized the way work is performed in industries like construction, woodworking, automotive repair, and even household maintenance. Unlike manual tools, which rely solely on human effort to generate force, power tools use electricity, batteries, or compressed air to significantly enhance speed and efficiency. Their adoption has not only saved time but also increased precision and reduced physical strain, making them indispensable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

[0006] One of the most notable advantages of handheld power tools is the ability to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. For instance, a cordless drill can drive screws into dense materials in seconds, whereas a manual screwdriver would require significantly more time and effort. Similarly, an electric saw can cut through wood, metal, or plastic with greater ease and accuracy than a traditional handsaw. This time-saving aspect is particularly important for large-scale projects, where meeting deadlines is critical.

[0007] Another significant benefit of power tools is their ability to deliver consistent, high- quality results. Tools such as electric sanders and rotary tools ensure a uniform finish that is difficult to achieve with manual tools. This precision is especially valuable in detailed work, such as cabinetry or fine woodworking, where imperfections are easily noticeable. Additionally, power tools often come with adjustable settings, allowing users to tailor their performance to the specific material or task, further enhancing their versatility and reliability.

[0008] Handheld power tools also reduce the physical demands on the user, minimizing fatigue and the risk of injury. For example, using a nail gun to secure boards is much less taxing than hammering nails by hand, especially in projects requiring repetitive actions. This ergonomic advantage makes power tools accessible to a broader range of users, including those who may not have the strength or stamina for intensive manual labour.

[0009] Finally, the variety and portability of modern handheld power tools offer unparalleled flexibility. With advancements in battery technology, cordless tools have become lighter and more powerful, enabling users to work in remote locations without the need for electrical outlets. Whether it’s drilling holes, cutting materials, or fastening components, handheld power tools allow users to tackle a wide array of tasks with minimal setup or preparation. Handheld power tools provide undeniable advantages over their manual counterparts. Their ability to save time, enhance precision, reduce physical strain, and adapt to various tasks makes them a valuable investment for professionals and hobbyists alike. As technology continues to evolve, these tools are becoming even more efficient and accessible, further solidifying their role as essential assets in modern toolkits.

[0010] Using handheld power tools that are not ergonomically designed can lead to several significant disadvantages, particularly in terms of user comfort, efficiency, and longterm health. Ergonomics, which focuses on designing tools to fit the natural movements and postures of the human body, plays a critical role in ensuring a tool is safe and efficient to use. When tools lack ergonomic design, the drawbacks can outweigh their utility, especially for those who use them frequently.

[0011] One of the primary issues with non-ergonomic power tools is discomfort during use. Tools that are awkwardly shaped, have poorly designed grips, or are imbalanced can force users into unnatural hand and wrist positions. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and even difficulty maintaining control of the tool. For instance, a power drill with an uncomfortable handle may require extra effort to grip securely, reducing the user's focus and precision during tasks.

[0012] The long-term health risks associated with non-ergonomic tools are even more concerning. Prolonged use of poorly designed tools can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or trigger finger. These conditions result from repeated stress on tendons and muscles, which is often exacerbated by tools that force users to apply excessive pressure or hold awkward postures. Over time, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, ultimately impacting both professional and personal activities.

[0013] Non-ergonomic tools can also compromise safety. A tool that is difficult to handle or control increases the likelihood of accidents, such as slips or misalignments. For instance, a heavy or unbalanced angle grinder might be harder to manoeuvre, potentially leading to accidental cuts or damage to the material being worked on. Moreover, tools that vibrate excessively due to poor design can contribute to handarm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and loss of dexterity.

[0014] Lastly, using poorly designed tools often results in reduced efficiency and inferior work quality. Non-ergonomic tools can make precise movements harder to execute, leading to uneven finishes, misaligned cuts, or improperly driven fasteners. This inefficiency may require rework or corrections, wasting both time and resources. Professionals who rely on high-quality results may find that non-ergonomic tools compromise their ability to meet these standards.

[0015] In conclusion, handheld power tools that are not ergonomically shaped pose significant disadvantages, including discomfort, increased risk of injuries, compromised safety, and reduced productivity. Investing in ergonomically designed tools not only enhances the user experience but also protects long-term health and ensures better performance. For anyone who regularly uses power tools, ergonomic design is a critical factor that should not be overlooked. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of this invention to provide a power tool which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned difficulties.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In accordance with this invention there is provided a power tool comprising: an elongate tubular body having a bit receiving end with a bit receiving means for receiving a bit, a handle section at a handle end, the body includes a curved section between the handle section and the bit receiving end such that an axis of the handle end and an axis of the bit receiving end define a first plane and a second plane.

[0019] The bit receiving means, in use, receives a bit for shaping a workpiece.

[0020] There is also provided for a connection end of a driven shaft to be connected to an inner end of a driven shaft with a universal joint coupling.

[0021] The driven shaft terminates at the bit receiving end of the body.

[0022] The driven and drive shafts are reciprocatingly movable in the direction of their axes.

[0023] There is provided for the drive shaft and the driven shaft to be connected through the universal joint coupling at an angle. and a drive shaft to be elongate and angled relative to the axis of the impelling member, within the bore. The angle formed between the drive shaft and the driven shaft ranges between 15° to 30°.

[0024] A still further feature of the invention provides for the bit to be any one of the group consisting of: a chisel, a file, a plane, a rasp.

[0025] The drive shaft is driven by an electrical drive means.

[0026] There is provided for an on-board power source to be included in the body. Alternatively, an electrical connection means is included in the body for connecting a cable to mains power.

[0027] There is provided for the on-board power source to be rechargeable batteries or to be single-use batteries.

[0028] These and other features of the invention are described below.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a power tool with a bit connected thereto, Figure 2 shows a side view of the power tool of figure 1 ,

[0032] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional and partial exploded view of the side view of figure 2,

[0033] Figure 4 shows detail view of part of the view of figure 3,

[0034] Figure 5 Colin, does your final invention make use of the cam?

[0035] Figure 6 Same question as above,

[0036] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the power tool of figures 1 to 6, in use, and

[0037] Figure 8 shows alternative bits for use with the power tool.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In Figures 1 to 8 reference numeral (10) generally refers to a power tool.

[0040] The advantage of working tool (10) is that it is believed to both increase speed of task completion and comfort of use, irrespective of whether they are used in working of wood or ice or even metal, plastics, or masonry. The biggest benefit of using tool (10) is that it facilitates a more efficient cut, whilst improving safety and maneuverability during use, where chisel-like action is required such as, for example, in mortising. The tool design (100) on the other hand is more effective where deeper cuts are required, preferably at right angles to the material being worked on.

[0041] The power tool (10) is shown having a battery (12) as power source removably secured within a rear end of a hand-held housing (13) and actuatable with a finger action performed on a trigger (14) that extends from a rear lower part of the housing (13). The battery (12) may be of the rechargeable type or can be a single-life discardable battery or battery pack.

[0042] Battery power, in use, ensures that an armature (16), connected electrically via suitable wiring (not shown) with the battery (12), functions to convert electrical energy to mechanical kinetic energy that moves shaft (21 ) in a circular fashion within a bore (22).

[0043] The bore (22) also locates a universal joint (18) where a cam (20) is interconnected positioned between an impelling member (24) and the shaft (21 ). The cam (20) has an irregular form (not shown) and is apt to convert the shaft (21 )'s rotational movement to linear to-and-fro movement of the impelling member (24) along an axis of the latter. This means that a working bit (28), as shown in any of Figures 3 to 6, can be secured to a remote end of the impelling member (24) before use in a dedicated material working task.

[0044] In this way, it is envisaged that a variety of bits (28) including, but not limited to, Bevel Edge Chisels, Bench Chisels, Brick Chisels, Butt Chisels, Comer chisels, Masonry chisels, Mortise chisels, Paring chisels, slick chisels, dovetail chisels, Japanese chisels, skew chisels, socket chisels, framing chisels, Mill Files; Taper Saw Files, Veneer Knife Files, Double-Ended Saw Files, Nicholson Double-Ended Saw Files, Cant Saw Files, Chainsaw Files, Oregon Chainsaw Files, Flat Files, Flat Files, Square Edge Joint Files, Mercer Industries Square Edge Joint Files, Half-Round Files, Kalim Half-Round Files, Marking Files, Slotting Files, Needle Files, Japanese Carving Files, Samurai Kanzawa Japanese Carving Files, Crosscut Files, Web Saw Files, Augur Bit Files, MAGBIT Augur Bit File, Pillar Files, Nicholson Pillar File, Equalling Files, Knife Files may be connected to a bit accepting end of the impelling member (24) as and when required.

[0045] It will be appreciated that of necessity, bearings (25) and a spring (26) will form part of the inner components of the working tools 10, 100.

[0046] As the locking pin (34) is aligned with the bit (28)'s side opening 32, the return spring 36 pushes the locking pin (34) outward through the opening 40 and the bit (28) and bit engaging end of the impeller member are engaged in a locked position. To unlock the pin single activation feature, the pin (34) is pressed downward as the lever acts on the spring (36) and releases the lower hub from the bit (28) and bit engaging end of the impelling member (24).

[0047] This allows the bit (28) of tool 10, 100 to be quickly released and replaced. In addition to this the spring (26) serves to cushion the movement of the bit (28) under the impact of its impelling member (24) and so prevent injury to the housing (13), while also holding the tool against rotation relatively to the housing (13). The powered handheld material working tool (100) is similar in most respects to tool (10), besides the linear functioning of the impelling member (124) as opposed to the angled arrangement of working tool (10). Similar features obviously have similar reference numerals.

[0048] The powered handheld material working tool (10), (100) has a unique handle shape that allows a human operator to use both hands to guide and apply pressure. The action of the cutting edge moves back and forth and is parallel to the direction applied by the human operator.

[0049] The shape of the power tool on its own and the shape of the power tool with chisel 28 allows the tool to be elevated from a work piece with distance “h” thereby facilitating ease of use.

[0050] A straight bit (chisel or rasp or file or the like) can also be used such as chisel 28a.

[0051] When holding the power tool, especially at its rear end, the curvature allows a user’s hand to be spaced (distance h) from a work piece.

[0052] FUNCTIONALITY:

[0053] - Changeable battery (12) is located at the rear of the handle.

[0054] - Both hands are used with the one hand activating the trigger (14).

[0055] - Electricity rotates the armature (16) that turns the shaft (21 ), with both being secured by bearings (25). - The rotation of the shaft (21 ) is off set at an angle, by means of a universal joint (18), and this rotates the cam.

[0056] - The cam (20) converts the rotation motion to a lateral back and forth motion.

[0057] - The working tool bit, such as a chisel I file bit is secured by way of ubiquitous methods to the tool (10), (100) by means of a socket connection.

[0058] COMPARISON TO CHISEL AND MALLET:

[0059] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is more efficient because the hammering (percussive) action is in line with the level of the cut.

[0060] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is more efficient because consistency of blows at cutting edge.

[0061] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is more efficient because both hands guide and apply pressure.

[0062] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is a safer tool to use.

[0063] CHISEL-LIKE USAGE

[0064] - Door hanging

[0065] - Carpentry

[0066] - Wood carving.

[0067] - DIY

[0068] - Construction sites.

[0069] - Joinery's.

[0070] - Ice carving

[0071] COMPARISON TO STEEL FILE: - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is a safer tool because both hands are elevated above the sharp steel.

[0072] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) is more efficient.

[0073] - The powered handheld material working tool (10) allows the human to use both hands to guide and apply pressure.

[0074] FILE-LIKE USAGE

[0075] - Tools rooms

[0076] - Fabrication shops.

[0077] - DIY.

[0078] While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the extent of the invention, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate methods, including: methods, for manufacturing the powered handheld material working tool 10, 100 falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[0079] The applicant believes that the powered handheld material working tool 10 of the present invention, at least in part, addresses shortcomings in conventional handheld material working tools in that the powered handheld material working tool 10 provides a neat, sturdy, functional, and convenient alternative which effectively reduces effectiveness and operation time associated with common handheld material working tools used in or on construction sites, at joineries and in do-it-yourself tasks.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A power tool comprising: an elongate tubular body having a bit receiving end with a bit receiving means for receiving a bit, a handle section at a handle end, the body includes a curved section between the handle section and the bit receiving end such that an axis of the handle end and an axis of the bit receiving end define a first plane and a second plane.

2. A power tool as claimed in claim 1 in which the bit receiving means, in use, receives a bit for shaping a workpiece.

3. A power tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a connection end of a drive shaft to be connected to an inner end of a driven shaft with a universal joint coupling.

4. A power tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the driven shaft terminates at the bit receiving end of the body.

5. A power tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the driven and drive shafts are reciprocatingly movable in the direction of their axes.

6. A power tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the drive shaft and the driven shaft are connected through the universal joint coupling at an angle.

7. A power tool as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 in which the preceding claims in which the drive shaft is elongate and angled relative to the axis of an impelling member, within the bore.

8. A power tool as claimed in claim 7 in which the angle formed between the drive shaft and the driven shaft ranges between 15° to 30°.

9. A power tool as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 in which the bit is any oneof the group consisting of: a chisel, a file, a plane, a rasp.

10. A power tool as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 in which the drive shaft is driven by an electrical drive means.

11. A power tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which an on- board power source is included in the body.

12. A power tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 in which an electrical connection means is included in the body for connecting a cable of a drive means to mains power.

13. A power tool as claimed in any one of claims 11 and 12 in which the on-board power source is rechargeable batteries or single-use batteries.

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