Lifting and pulling accessories for power tool

Abstract

Power-driven lifting and pulling accessories are provided, including fastener puller and construction jack accessory devices for power-driven tools. The accessory devices may include a transmission that provides for sufficient speed reduction and corresponding increase in output torque from an input speed / torque associated with a rotary force input to the transmission to an output speed and an output torque to perform a liftin operation. The accessory devices may include decoupling features to prevent binding or damage to threaded components due to over-rotation of the threaded components.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403LIFTING AND PULLING ACCESSORIES FOR POWER TOOLCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 738,308, filed on December 23, 2024, and entitled “LIFTING AND PULLING ACCESSORIES FOR POWER TOOL,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This relates to accessories for power-driven tools, e.g., rotary power tools such as drills, drill / drivers, or impact drivers, and in particular, to lifting and pulling accessories for such power-driven tools.BACKGROUND

[0003] Crowbars and prybars pull two objects apart. For example, crowbars and prybars can be used to open nailed wooden crates, pry two boards apart, remove nails, staples, screws, anchors, etc. They require manual effort and extended use can lead to user fatigue. A construction jack can be used for lifting, leveling, holding, spreading, or installing applications, among others.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including: an input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool; a driving member coupled to the input shaft and configured to be rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion; a driven member that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; and a lifter coupled to the driven member that is configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled; wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes an axial translation of the driven member and the lifter along the first axis so the lifter lifts or pulls the object; and wherein, when the driven member reaches an axial extent of the axial translation, the second threaded portion is configured to disengage from the first threaded portion to inhibit further axial translation ofAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403the lifter.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends, wherein when the driven member is positioned at the axial extent of the axial translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the lifter is moveably coupled to the driven member.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the lifter by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and lifter are spaced apart and a nested position.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a base located at a lower end of the accessory device, wherein the base includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the base, wherein the lifter includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the lifter, wherein when the lifter is positioned at the lower end of the accessory device, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the base and lifter between two objects.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the base includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torque from the input shaft to the driving member.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the inputAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403shaft to the driving member.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position to a locked position.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a housing, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the lifter includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the lifter.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the lifter between approximately 5001b and approximately 2,0001b.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the lifter.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device,Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a stationary blade coupled to the distal end and configured to engage a work surface; an input shaft at least partially received in the proximal end and configured to be coupled to a power tool; a driving member at least partially received in the housing and coupled to the input shaft to be rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion; a driven member at least partially received in the housing that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; and a movable blade coupled to the driven member and movable between a first position that is flush with the stationary blade and a second position away from the stationary blade, the movable blade configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled from the work surface, wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes axial translation of the driven member and the movable blade along the first axis so the movable blade lifts or pulls the object from the work surface.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends, wherein when the driven member is positioned at an axial extent of translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the movable blade is moveably coupled to the driven member.

[0034] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the movable blade by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and movable blade are spaced apart and a nested position.

[0035] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the stationary blade includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the stationary blade, wherein the movable blade includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the movable blade, wherein when the movable blade is positioned at the first position, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the stationary blade and movable blade between two objects.

[0036] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the stationary blade includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.

[0037] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torque from the input shaft to the driving member.

[0038] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the input shaft to the driving member.

[0039] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

[0040] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

[0041] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.

[0042] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position toAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403a locked position.

[0043] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

[0044] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

[0045] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

[0046] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.

[0047] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the movable blade includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the movable blade.

[0048] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the movable blade between approximately 5001b and approximately 2,0001b.

[0049] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the movable blade.

[0050] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.

[0051] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.

[0052] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including: a housing; a brace assembly configured to support the housing relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool; an input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool; a driving member coupled to the input shaft and configured to beAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion; a driven member that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; and a lifter coupled to the driven member that is configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled, wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes axial translation of the driven member and the lifter along the first axis so the lifter lifts or pulls the object.

[0053] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends, wherein when the driven member is positioned at an axial extent of translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.

[0054] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

[0055] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

[0056] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

[0057] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the lifter is moveably coupled to the driven member.

[0058] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the lifter by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and lifter are spaced apart and a nested position.

[0059] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a base located at a lower end of the accessory device, wherein the base includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the base, wherein the lifter includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the lifter, wherein when the lifter is positioned at the lower end of the accessory device, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the base and lifter between two objects.

[0060] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the base includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403

[0061] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torque from the input shaft to the driving member.

[0062] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the input shaft to the driving member.

[0063] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

[0064] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

[0065] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.

[0066] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position to a locked position.

[0067] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

[0068] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a housing, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

[0069] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

[0070] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.

[0071] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the lifter includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the lifter.

[0072] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the lifter betweenAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403approximately 5001b and approximately 2,0001b.

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the lifter.

[0074] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.

[0075] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG. l is a perspective view of an example rotary power tool to which an accessory device, such as a lifting or pulling accessory, e.g., a crowbar, construction jack or fastener puller, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled.

[0077] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example accessory device in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory, coupled to the example power tool of FIG. 1.

[0078] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the accessory device of FIG. 2A showing the example accessory device during a lifting operation.

[0079] FIG. 2C is a perspective view and FIG. 2D is an exploded view of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0080] FIG. 2E is an exploded view of a transmission of the accessory device of FIG.2A.

[0081] FIG. 2F is a detail side cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0082] FIG. 2G is an exploded view of an upper portion of the accessory device of FIG. 2A.

[0083] FIG. 2H is a detail side cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0084] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a lower portion of the accessory device of FIG.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -04032A.

[0085] FIGS. 2J and 2K are front and side perspective views of a lower portion of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0086] FIGS. 2L-2N are side cross-sectional views of a lower portion of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0087] FIGS. 20 and 2P are top and perspective views of a lifter and driven member of the accessory device of FIG. 2 A.

[0088] FIG. 3 A is a side view with housing removed of an example gear assembly.

[0089] FIG. 3B is a side view with housing removed of an example gear assembly.

[0090] FIG. 4Ais a side perspective view of an example accessory device with portions of a housing removed or shown partially transparent showing a locking mechanism of the accessory device.

[0091] FIGS. 4B and 4C are detail side views of the accessory device of FIG. 4A with portions of the housing removed or shown partially transparent to illustrate the locking mechanism in a locked position.

[0092] FIG. 4D is an exploded view of an input shaft assembly of the accessory device of FIG. 4 A.

[0093] FIG. 5 A is a front perspective view and FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of an example accessory device in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory, such as a fastener puller

[0094] FIG. 5C shows the accessory device in use.

[0095] FIG. 5D is a front perspective view and FIG. 5E is a side view of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A with a housing removed.

[0096] FIGS. 5F and 5G are detail side cross-sectional views of bearing housing of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A.

[0097] FIG. 5H is a detail side cross-sectional view of a bottom end of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A.

[0098] FIG. 51 is a detail side view of a lower end of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A with the base removed.

[0099] FIG. 5 J is a front perspective view and FIG. 5K is a side view of the driven member and lifter of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A.

[0100] FIG. 5L is a detail side cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A.

[0101] FIG. 5M is a side view of a lower portion of the accessory device of FIG. 5 AAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403with the housing removed.

[0102] FIG. 5N is a detail front perspective view of an upper portion of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A with the housing shown as transparent to illustrate internal components.

[0103] FIG. 50 is a detail side cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the accessory device of FIG. 5 A with the housing removed.

[0104] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an example accessory device in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory coupled to the example power tool of FIG. 1 as well as an example brace assembly.

[0105] FIG. 6C is a front perspective view and FIG. 6D is a rear perspective view of the example accessory device of FIG. 6A.

[0106] FIG. 6E is a front perspective view of the example accessory device of FIG.6A with the housing removed.

[0107] FIG. 6F is a side cross-sectional view and FIG. 6G is a front cross-sectional view of the accessory device of FIG. 6 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] Aspects of the present disclosure include pulling and / or lifting accessories, such as crowbar, fastener puller, and construction jack accessories, for use with rotary power tools such as impact drivers or drills, which may be used to apply an axial force to an object to, for example, pull two objects apart or lift or hold an object. An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled to a power-driven tool, for example, a rotary power-driven power tool, such as, for example, a drill, a drill / driver, an impact driver, and other such power-driven tools. An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, facilitates the application of an axial force, such as a lifting or pulling force, to lift an object or separate an object from a workpiece, such as to separate a nail, a staple, a screw, or an anchor from an object, such as a piece wood, metal, plastic, or concrete. An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may include a lifter that is configured to apply an axial force to an object. In an implementation the lifter may have a body that defines a first surface that is configured to come into contact with and apply a force to an object. In an implementation the body of the lifter may include a claw that defines a nail slot for engaging a head of a nail or a screw. In an implementation the body of the lifter may be tapered to facilitate positioning the body between an object and a workpiece. An accessory device, in accordance withAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403implementations described herein, may include a driving member that is driven in rotation by the power-driven tool, a driven member that includes or is coupled to a lifter and movable axially in response to rotation of the driving member, and a decoupling feature that decouples the driving member from the driven member to inhibit overdriving of the driven member.

[0109] An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may include a transmission that transmits a force generated by the power-driven tool for output by the accessory device. In some examples a transmission provides an increase in torque and a corresponding speed reduction from an output of a power-driven tool / input of the accessory device to an output of the accessory device. An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled to a power-driven tool, to provide the user with the functionality of a lifting or pulling member, such as a construction jack or fastener puller, and related or similar tools (by coupling the accessory device to the power-driven tool) without being limited to the singular functionality associated with a specialized lifting or pulling device such as a specialized construction jack or fastener puller.

[0110] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example rotary power tool 100 to which an accessory device, such as a lifting or pulling accessory, such as a construction jack or fastener puller, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled. The example rotary power tool 100 is in the form of an impact driver, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The principles to be described herein are applicable to the connection of an accessory device to other types of rotary power-driven tools including, for example, a drill or drill / driver and the like. The example power tool 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a tool holder 170 that provides for coupling of output tools and / or devices and / or accessories, including a lifting or pulling accessory, in accordance with implementations described herein. The example power tool 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a housing 190, in which components such as, for example, a motor, a transmission, the output assembly (not shown in FIG. 1) and the like are housed. In a situation in which the example power tool 100 is an impact driver, an impact mechanism may be received in the housing 190. In some examples, the transmission (and the impact mechanism, if so equipped) transmits a force generated by the motor to the output tool and / or device and / or accessory coupled at the tool holder 170 via the output assembly, to drive the output tool and / or device and / or accessory coupled at the tool holder 170 to perform an operation on a workpiece. The tool holder 170 is provided at an end portion of the housing 190, corresponding to a working end of the example power tool 100. In some examples, the tool holder 170 includes a quick-release hex receptacle. A trigger 120 for triggering operation of the example power tool 100 is provided at a handle portion 195 ofAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403the housing 190. One or more selection devices 180, accessible to a user at the outside of the housing 190, provide for user control of the example power tool 100. For example, the one or more selection devices 180 can be manipulated by the user to turn the example power tool 100 on and off, to set an operation mode of the example power tool 100, to set an operational speed of the example power tool 100, to set a rotational direction of the example power tool 100, and the like.

[0111] FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of an example accessory device 200, in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory, for example, a construction jack, coupled to the example power tool 100. In the illustrated example, accessory device 200 is in the form of a lifting device, such as a construction jack, that is designed and configured to apply an axial force which may be utilized as a lifting force to lift a workpiece or object. FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of accessory device 200 and power tool 100 showing the example accessory device 200 during a lifting operation with an example object 295 disposed on and being lifted by the accessory device 200. For ease of illustration the object 295 is shown as a simple rectangular prism. As will be appreciated, any number of workpieces or objects may be lifted by accessory device 200 to provide any number of functions, such as lifting, leveling, or holding of an object.

[0112] FIG. 2C is a perspective view and FIG. 2D is an exploded view of accessory device 200. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, accessory device 200 includes a housing 290 which includes a transmission housing 291, and a body housing 294. Housing 290 is coupled to a base 296, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a stationary blade, which provides a stable support for accessory device 200 on a horizontal surface, such as a floor of an interior space, or exterior ground surface, etc. The accessory device 200 includes an input shaft 235 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool to which the accessory device 200 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 235 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above, so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 200 via the input shaft 235. The input shaft 235 drives a transmission 230 disposed in the housing 290 that transmits the driving force to a driving member 250 in the form of a threaded shaft. A driven member 260 is threadably coupled to the driving member 250 so that a rotation of the driving member 250 about a longitudinal axis of the driving member 250 results in an axial movement of the driven member 260 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driving member 250.Accessory device 200 also includes a lifter 212, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a movable blade, that is coupled to the driven member 260 and that isAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403configured to apply an axial force to an object to lift or pull the object or otherwise apply an axial force to the object. In the illustrated example the lifter 212 and driven member 260 are integrally formed as a unitary member that is threadably coupled to driving member 250. In other examples, lifter 212 and driven member 260 may be separate components that are coupled, either directly or indirectly, and either fixedly or moveably coupled, and in some examples, removably coupled, together.

[0113] In an implementation, body housing 294 includes first and second channel members 220. The first and second channel members 220 may have a C-shaped crosssection and may be elongate members having a first end located proximate a top end of accessory device 200 and a second end located proximate a bottom end of the accessory device. In the illustrated example the first and second channel members 220 are structural members that structurally couple and support the driven member 260, transmission housing 291, and base 296. The first and second channel members 220 may be spaced apart and define an interior volume of the body housing 294 and also define first and second elongate slots 221 on a front and rear side of the accessory device 200. In the illustrated example, a first portion of the driven member 260 is disposed within the interior volume of the body housing 294, the lifter 212 extends laterally from the elongate slot 221 on the front side of the body housing 294 and a second portion of the driven member 260 extends laterally from the elongate slot 221 on the back side of the body housing 294 and stands proud thereof. In the illustrated example the second portion of the driven member 260 includes a striking face 227 (see, e.g., FIG. 2K) for striking the driven member 260 with, for example, a hammer, to force the lifter 212 into engagement with an object or between two objects.

[0114] The first and a second channel members 220 may act as axial guide members that restrict a rotational motion of the driven member 260 and provide bearing surfaces that guide the driven member 260 in an axial direction. For example, lifter 212 may be slidably coupled to body housing 294 of housing 290 such that body housing 294 acts as an axial guide member that supports axial movement of lifter 212 along the longitudinal axis of body housing 294. In other implementations, the driven member 260 may be guided and restricted in rotations by other structures such as guide rods or rails. The lifter 212 may have a body 264 that defines a first surface 266 that is configured to come into contact with and apply a force to an object such as object 295. The body 264 of the lifter 212 may include a claw 268 that defines a nail slot 272 for engaging a head of a nail. In an implementation the body 264 of the lifter 212 has a tapered end 274 and in some examples the base 296 also has tapered ends 276. The tapered ends 274, 276 may facilitate positioning or sliding the lifter 212 andAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403base 296 between two objects or workpieces, such as between two boards, a nail and a board, or an object to be lifted and a surface the object us resting on, and the like.

[0115] FIGS. 2E-2H illustrate the example transmission 230, driving member 250, and lifter 212 in more detail. Input shaft 235 is removably coupled to transmission housing 291 and in the example is slidably coupled to a coupler 238. By being removably coupled input shaft 235 can be conveniently replaced if damaged. Coupler 238 is rotatably supported by a bearing 240 disposed in the transmission housing 291. An end of a first gear shaft 242 is disposed in coupler 238 and transfers a driving torque from input shaft 235 to a first spur gear 231a.

[0116] In the illustrated example the transmission 230 includes a gear assembly 234 for providing a speed reduction and corresponding increase in driving torque. In the example arrangement, the gear assembly 234 includes an arrangement of spur gear sets, for example two stages of spur gear sets in this example, including a first stage spur gear set 231 and a second stage spur gear set 232. In some examples, the spur gear sets are sized so as to be strong enough to support a desired level of output torque of the example accessory device 200. The gear assembly 234 is arranged so as to provide for the desired level of speed reduction and torque increase, from a speed and torque introduced into the transmission 230 at the input shaft 235, to a speed and torque output at an output shaft 236 of the transmission 230. For example, a size and / or a number of teeth on each spur gear of each stage of the transmission 230 are selected so as to provide for the desired speed reduction and torque increase. Spur gear set 231 includes a first spur gear 231a and a second spur gear 23 lb. Spur gear set 232 includes a third spur gear 232a and a fourth spur gear 232b. Rotation of the spur gear sets 231, 232 (in response to the force from the motor of the example power tool 100 conveyed to the transmission 230 via the input shaft 235) drives rotation, at the desired output speed, of the output shaft 236 of the transmission 230.

[0117] In an example, the output shaft 236 of the transmission 230 is coupled to a proximal end or top end of the driving member 250, which is supported for rotation about a first axis, e.g., a central longitudinal axis of the driving member 250, relative to the housing 290 by at least one bearing 244a, 244b. In some examples, the output shaft 236 and driving member 250 may be separate components. In other examples, the driving member 250 may be the same as the input shaft 235 or may be directly coupled to the input shaft 235 without a transmission. In the illustrated example, the driving member 250 is in the form of a shaft or rod, including a threaded portion 252 and at least one unthreaded portion 254 (see, e.g., FIG.2D), which in the illustrated example, is at a distal end or bottom end of the driving memberAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403250.

[0118] In other examples, accessory devices made in accordance with the present disclosure may include other transmission configurations including other gear assemblies which may be designed and configured according to the requirements of the application. Example design considerations include a speed at which the lifter 212 moves and a maximum lifting force that can be generated by the lifter. Any of a variety of gearing components may be used in any of a variety of combinations. Non-limiting examples of gear assembly components include planetary gear sets, worm gears, spur gears, bevel gears, and the like. FIG. 3A shows one example non-limiting gear assembly 334 which may be used in place of gear assembly 234. Example gear assembly 334 includes an inline arrangement of planetary gear sets, for example three stages of planetary gear sets in this example, including a first stage planetary gear set 331, a second stage planetary gear set 332, and a third stage planetary gear set 333. Each of the planetary gear sets 331, 332, 333 includes a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears surrounding the respective sun gear, and in meshed engagement with the respective sun gear, a carrier configured to carry the respective planet gears, and a ring gear with internal teeth that mesh with the respective planet gears. In an implementation, the ring gear is stationary, and the planet gears rotate about their axes and orbit the sun gear in response to rotation of the respective sun gear, causing the carrier to rotate at a slower speed than the sun gear of that stage. Input shaft 335 may be configured to be coupled to a power tool such as power tool 100. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 3 A, a size, for example, a dimension of the second stage planetary gear set 332 is greater than a corresponding size, for example a corresponding dimension of the first stage planetary gear set 331. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 3 A, a size, for example, a dimension of the third stage planetary gear set 333 is greater than a corresponding size, for example a corresponding dimension of the second stage planetary gear set 332. In some examples, the planetary gear sets, and in this particular arrangement, the third planetary gear set 333, is sized so as to be strong enough to support a desired level of output torque of the example accessory device 200. The planetary gear sets 331, 332, 333 are arranged so as to provide for the desired level of speed reduction and torque increase, from a speed and torque introduced into the transmission at the input shaft 335, to a speed and torque output at an output shaft 336 of the transmission. Gear assembly 334 is provided by way of example and other configurations may be implemented. For example, a number of stages of planetary gear sets may be greater than or less than three, for example only one or two stages of planetary gear sets. In addition, any number of additional gear components may be used in combinationAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403with gear assembly 334, including any combination of spur gears, worm gears, etc.

[0119] FIG. 3B shows another example gear assembly 334’ which may be used in place of gear assembly 234. Example gear assembly 334’ includes a worm gear 302 in meshed engagement with a driving member in the form of a worm wheel output gear 304. Alternatively, the worm wheel output gear 304 may be non-rotatably coupled to another driving member such as a driving shaft or driving member. The worm wheel output gear 304 includes a central opening defining an inner portion 306. The worm gear 302 is coupled to, for example, fixedly coupled to the input shaft 335’, such that the worm gear 302 rotates in response to, and together with, the input shaft 335’ which may be coupled to a power tool such as power tool 100. The inner portion 306 of the worm wheel output gear 304 may be threadably coupled to a rod or shaft. The worm gear 302 and the worm wheel output gear 304 may be sized so as to provide the desired amount of speed reduction and increase in torque, and to support a desired level of output torque of an example accessory device. Gear assembly 334’ is provided by way of example and other configurations may be implemented. For example, any number of additional gear components may be used in combination with gear assembly 334, including any combination of spur gears, planetary gear sets, bevel gears, etc.

[0120] In an example, transmissions of the present disclosure, such as transmission 230, and corresponding gear assemblies, such as gear assembly 234, gear assembly 334, and / or gear assembly 334’, may be configured to provide a speed reduction ratio. By way of non-limiting example, a speed reduction ratio of a transmission of the present disclosure may be between approximately 50:1 and 5:1, and in some examples, between approximately 20:1 and 10:1, and in some examples, approximately 15.75:1.

[0121] FIGS. 2G and 2H show driven member 260 and lifter 212 in a raised position at an upper extent of a range of travel of the driven member 260. Driven member 260 may be at least partially received in the housing 290. In some examples, the driven member 260 is coupled in the housing 290 such that rotation of the driven member 260 is restricted, and the driven member 260 is movable axially relative to the housing 290. In the illustrated example accessory device 200 includes at least one resilient stop 214, and in the illustrated example a pair of resilient stops 214. The resilient stops 214 are positioned on a bottom side of transmission housing 291 on opposing sides of the driving member 250 and provide a compliant engagement for the driven member 260 at the upper extent of travel.

[0122] In the illustrated example the driving member 250 is movable in an axial direction relative to housing 290. The accessory device 200 may include a biasing memberAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403270 in the form of a coil spring, a compression spring, a wave spring, a leaf spring, another type of spring, a flexible leg, or another resilient or flexible member that biases the driving member 250 in a downward direction towards base 296. In the illustrated example a first end of the biasing member 270 is positioned against a bottom side of transmission housing 291 and a second end of the biasing member 270 is positioned against a sleeve 216 coupled to the driving member 250. As described below, when driven member 260 reaches a lower extent of axial travel it reaches the at least one unthreaded portion 254 of driving member 250 and disengages from the driving member 250. The biasing member 270 applies a downward axial force to the driving member 250 for reengagement of the driven member 260 with the threaded portion 252 of the driving member 250.

[0123] FIGS. 21, 2J, 2K, 2L, and 2M illustrate a bottom end of the accessory device 200 in greater detail. In the illustrated example body housing 294 includes the first and second channel members 220 that act as axial guide members that restrict a rotational motion of the driven member 260 and provide bearing surfaces that guide the driven member 260 in an axial direction. In the illustrated example, the driven member 260 includes a body portion 222 that defines a plurality of slots 224 (also shown in FIGS. 20 and 2P), that are configured and dimensioned to slidably engage the first and second channel members 220. In other examples the driven member 260 and body housing 294 (or other structural member) may have additional or alternate coupling features for sliding engagement, including any combination of slots, channels, or rods in the body housing 294 (or other structural member) and complementary features in driven member 260 for sliding engagement therebetween.

[0124] As best seen in FIG. 21, a bottom end of the first and second channel members 220 may be coupled to the base 296 by a plate 226 and in some examples, the base 296 is removably coupled to the plate 226. In some examples, accessory device 200 may have one or more interchangeable bases 296 (only one base illustrated) that can be selectively attached to the housing 290 for different applications. The example base 296 includes tapered ends 276 to facilitate positioning or sliding the lifter 212 and base 296 between two objects or workpieces. The tapered ends define an opening 277 that has a shape that is complementary to an outer shape of the lifter 212 such that the lifter can be positioned within the opening when it is in a lowered position.

[0125] A bottom end of the driving member 250 may be coupled to base 296 by a thrust washer 228 and thrust bearing 229. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2L, the thrust washer 228 has a closed end that the bottom end of the driving member 250 may rest against. The thrust washer 228 is in rotating contact with the thrust bearing 229 which provides forAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403smooth rotation at high thrust loads associated with the lifting of heavy objects.

[0126] As shown in, for example, FIGS. 20 and 2P, in the illustrated example, the driven member 260 and lifter 212 may be formed as a single unitary member, while in other examples, they may be separate components which may be directly or indirectly coupled together. The driven member 260 includes a body portion 222 that defines the plurality of slots 224. The body portion 222 of the driven member 260 also includes an opening 225 that defines a threaded portion 223 that is configured to threadably engage the threaded portion 252 of the driving member 250. Aback side of the body portion 222 may define a striking face 227 for striking the back side of the driven member 260 with, for example, a hammer, to force the tapered ends 274 of the lifter 212 and the tapered ends 276 of the base 296 into engagement with an object or between two objects. As shown in FIG. 2K the driven member 260 is only partially disposed within an inner volume defined by the body housing 294 and the striking face 227 is positioned outside of the body housing 294 to allow for striking engagement.

[0127] With continued reference to FIGS. 20 and 2P, the lifter 212 may include a body 264 that defines a first surface 266 that is configured to come into contact with and apply an axial force to an object such as object 295 (FIG. 2B). The body 264 of the lifter 212 may include a claw 268 that defines a nail slot 272 for engaging a nail or other elongate object. In an example the body 264 of the lifter 212 has a tapered end 274. Lifter 212 may also include a second portion 280 that defines a second surface 282 that may be substantially perpendicular to the first surface 266. The first surface 266 and second surface 282 form an angled recess that provides a support surface for securely lifting an object. The second portion 280 may also define one or more openings 284 or other features for securely attaching the lifter 212 to an object. For example, screws or other fasteners (not illustrated) can be driven through the one or more openings 284 and into the object or object 295 being lifted to securely attach the object or workpiece to the accessory device 200. In addition or alternatively, straps, latches, etc. may be used to secure an object to the lifter 212.

[0128] A height of the lifter 212 and driven member 260 with respect to the housing 290 and base 296 may be selected and controlled by rotation of the driving member 250. A power tool, such as power tool 100 (FIG. 1), can be removably attached to input shaft 235 (as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B) to selectively rotate the driving member 250, via the transmission 230, in either a first rotational direction or a second opposite rotational direction. For example, one of the one or more selection devices 180 of the power tool 100 can be selected to select a rotational direction of the power tool. Depression of trigger 120 then causesAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403rotation of the tool holder 170 in a first direction, which causes rotation of the driving member 250 in the first direction, which causes the driven member 260 and lifter 212 to move in a first axial direction. Rotation of the tool holder 170 and driving member 250 in a second opposite direction causes the driven member 260 and lifter 212 to move in a second opposite axial direction.

[0129] FIG. 2G shows the driven member 260 and lifter 212 in a raised position or proximal position at an uppermost extent of an axial range of travel of the driven member 260 and lifter 212. FIG. 2M shows the driven member 260 and lifter 212 in a lowered position and FIG. 2N shows the driven member 260 and lifter 212 at a lowermost extent of the axial range of travel of the driven member 260 and lifter 212. The driven member 260 and lifter 212 can be lowered from the raised position shown in FIG. 2G to the lowered position shown in FIG. 2M by depressing trigger 120 and rotating the driving member 250 in a first rotational direction. The threaded engagement between threaded portion 252 of driving member 250 and threaded portion 223 of driven member 260, along with the sliding engagement between the driven member 260 and body housing 294, which prevents rotation of the driven member 260, causes an axial translation of the driven member 260 along a length of the driving member 250 and body housing 294. Continued rotation of the driving member 250 causes continued lowering of the driven member 260 to the lowered position shown in FIG. 2M, where the threaded portion 223 of driven member 260 has reached a bottom end 253 of the threaded portion 252 of the driving member 250. Continued rotation of the driving member 250 in the first direction results in the driven member 260 moving from the lowered position shown in FIG. 2M to the lowermost position shown in FIG. 2N in which the threaded portion 223 of the driven member 260 has disengaged from the threaded portion 252 and is positioned at or adjacent the unthreaded portion 254 of the driving member 250. If a user continues to depress the trigger 120 and rotate the driving member 250 in the first direction, the continued rotation will, therefore, not cause a continued axial movement of the driven member 260 due to the decoupling of the threaded portion 223 from the threaded portion 252, thereby preventing unwanted binding or damage to the threaded components. The at least one unthreaded portion 254, therefore, acts as a dead zone precluding further downward axial movement of the driven member 260, and further axial movement of the lifter 212. In some examples, a length of the at least one unthreaded portion 254 of the driving member 250 is equal to or greater than a length of the threaded portion 223 of the driven member 260 so as to define a decoupling feature that inhibits or restricts unwanted binding or damage to threaded components. As shown in FIG. 2N, when driven member 260 is in the lowermostAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403position, continued rotation of driving member 250 in the first direction results in an upward axial movement of driving member 250 with the bottom or distal end 255 of the driving member 250 separating from thrust washer 228.

[0130] In the lowermost position shown in FIG. 2N, the driven member 260 is no longer supported by the threaded portion 252 of driving member 250 and may be configured to rest on the base 296. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2J and 2K, in the lowermost position the first surface 266 of the lifter 212 and a top surface 278 of the base 296 are substantially aligned and define a common work surface. The tapered ends 274 of the lifter 212 and the tapered ends 276 of the base 296 may also be substantially aligned to define a common tapered end. The alignment of the lifter 212 and base 296 can be beneficial for positioning the bottom end of the accessory device 200 in a desired position below an object for lifting the object, where the lifter 212 and base 296 can be used as a combined angled member for driving the lower end of the accessory device 200 between two objects, below a heavy object, and the like. The striking face 227 can also be used for driving the bottom end of the accessory device 200 into position. In an example the lifter 212 or movable blade may be movable between a first position that is flush with the base 296 and a second position away from the base during a lifting or pulling operation.

[0131] Returning to FIGS. 2M and 2N, operation of the power tool 100 in a second, opposite rotational direction may cause rotation of the driving member 250 in the second opposite direction. Driving member 250 may be movable in an axial direction relative to base 296 and the biasing member 270 positioned at the top end of the driving member 250 (see, e.g., FIG. 2F), may be configured to apply a resilient force in a downward or distal direction to urge bottom end 253 of the threaded portion 252 into engagement with the threaded portion 223 of the driven member 260. Rotation of the driving member 250 in the second direction causes re-engagement of the threaded portion 252 of the driving member 250 with the threaded portion 223 of the driven member 260. In the illustrated example the biasing member 270 aids in the engagement of the threaded portions. In other examples, the biasing member 270 may be omitted and the relative axial movement of the driving member 250 along with a weight of the driving member and rotation of the driving member 250 in the second direction causes reengagement. In some examples, when in the lowermost position, the driven member 260 may be resiliently biased in an upward or proximal direction for reengagement with the threaded portion 252 of driving member 250. In some examples, the driving member 250 may not be movable in an axial direction relative to base 296.

[0132] With the driven member 260 and lifter 212 in the lowermost position, the lifterAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403212 may be positioned below an object to be lifted. Once in position, the trigger 120 of the power tool 100 may be depressed to cause the driving member 250 to rotate in the second direction, which causes the threaded portion 252 of the driving member 250 to be driven down into the threaded portion 223 until the bottom or distal end 255 of the driving member 250 reaches a lower extent of axial travel of the driving member 250 and the bottom or distal end 255 of the driving member 250 comes into direct or indirect contact with the base 296 or the thrust washer 228. With the driving member 250 in the lowest axial position, continued rotation of the driving member 250 causes the driven member 260 and lifter 212 to begin applying an upward force to the object, which will begin to raise the object. A height of the object can be selected by rotation of driving member 250, with a maximum height being when the driven member 260 reaches the uppermost position shown in, for example, FIG. 2H.

[0133] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate an example accessory device 400 that is similar to accessory device 200. Unlike accessory device 200, accessory device 400 includes an example locking mechanism 402 that is designed and configured to prevent unwanted binding or damage to threaded components when a driven member 460 reaches an upper extent of axial travel. FIGS. 4A-4C are a detail side views of a top portion of accessory device 400 with a portion of a body housing 494 removed and a transmission housing 491 shown partially transparent to illustrate internal components including components of the example locking mechanism 402. FIG. 4D is an exploded view of an input shaft assembly of the accessory device 400.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, accessory device 400 has many of the same components as accessory device 200, including a transmission 430 that includes a gear assembly 434 disposed in a transmission housing 491. The gear assembly 434 may include one or more spur gear sets and in the illustrated example includes a spur gear set 431 that includes a first spur gear 431a and a second spur gear 431b and a spur gear set 432 that includes a third spur gear 432a and a fourth spur gear 432b. Accessory device 400 includes an input shaft 435 that is removably coupled to transmission housing 491 and in the example is slidably coupled to a coupler 438. Coupler 438 may be rotatably supported by a bearing 440 disposed in the transmission housing 491 and coupled to first spur gear 431a. Input shaft 435 is configured to receive an input torque from a power tool such as power tool 100, resulting in a rotation of the input shaft 435. The gear assembly 434 transfers the input torque from the input shaft 435 to a driving member 450 for raising and lowering a driven member 460 and lifter 412.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403

[0135] Accessory device 400 also includes a locking mechanism 402 for preventing unwanted binding or damage to threaded components when the driven member 460 reaches an upper extent of axial travel. In an example, the locking mechanism 402 may include a locking arm 443 that is moveably coupled, e.g. by sliding, pivoting, or rotating, and in the illustrated example, pivoting, to the transmission housing 491. Locking arm 443 may be resiliently biased to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 4A. In an example, the locking arm 443 includes a first end 444 that is configured to contact the driven member 460 when the driven member approaches the upper extent of travel. The locking arm 443 may also include a second end 445 in the form of a stop that is configured to engage the gear assembly 434 to stop rotation of the gear assembly. In an example the locking mechanism 402 includes a stop pawl 446 that is coupled to the first spur gear 431a and that is configured to engage the second end 445 of the locking arm 443 to stop rotation of the input shaft 435 and first spur gear 431a. In an example the stop pawl 446 extends from and rotates with the first spur gear 431a and is coupled to the first spur gear 43 la by a spindle 448.

[0136] FIG. 4A shows the driven member 460 in a position that is proximate an uppermost extent of travel and shows the locking mechanism 402 in an unlocked position. A biasing member in the form of a compression spring 447 biases the locking arm 443 to the unlocked position in which the second end 445 of the locking arm 443 does not contact the stop pawl 446. Other types of biasing members such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, an extension spring, or another resilient or elastic member may be used instead of or in addition to the compression spring 447.

[0137] FIGS. 4B and 4C show the locking mechanism 402 in a locked position where the locking mechanism 402 has locked the transmission 430, thereby preventing further rotation of the driving member 450. The locking mechanism 402 may be locked by the driven member 460 coming into contact with the first end 444 of the locking arm 443, counteracting the biasing force of the compression spring 447 and causing the locking arm 443 to pivot to the locked position shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. In the locked position the second end 445 engages the stop pawl 446, thereby preventing rotation of the first spur gear 431a, which locks the gear assembly 434 and larger transmission 430. With the transmission 430 locked, if a user continues to depress the trigger 120 of the power tool 100 (FIG. 1), it will not cause the driving member 450 to rotate. If an impact driver is used, the impact mechanism of the impact driver will engage. The locking mechanism 402, therefore, prevents damage to the accessory device 400 from a continued powering of the transmission 430 after the driven member 460 has reached an upper extent of travel by automatically locking theAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403transmission 430 when the driven member 460 reaches the upper extent of travel. In other examples, locking mechanisms of the present disclosure may lock one or more gears in addition to or instead of first spur gear 431a. In some examples, a locking member having a different configuration than locking arm 443 may be used. For example, a locking member that slides and / or rotates rather than pivots may be used.

[0138] FIG. 5 A is a front perspective view and FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of an example accessory device 500, in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory, such as a fastener puller and FIG. 5C shows the accessory device in use. Example accessory device 500 is designed and configured to apply an axial force in the form of a lifting or pulling force to lift, pull, or separate an object 595, such as a nail, from a workpiece 593, such as a piece of wood. Example accessory device 500 may also be used in any of a variety of other ways, such as to separate two or more objects, provide a leveling or holding function, etc. FIG. 5D is a front perspective view and FIG. 5E is a side view of the accessory device 500 with a housing removed.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, in the illustrated example accessory device 500 includes a housing 590 which includes a bearing housing 591, and a body housing 594.Housing 590 is coupled to a base 596, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a stationary blade, which provides a stable support for accessory device 500 on a surface, such as a surface of workpiece 593. In an example, accessory device 500 is designed and configured to be relatively light and maneuverable with the housing 590 having a shape and dimension that are configured for a comfortable one-handed grip by a user so that a user can quickly and easily position the accessory device 500 for removal of an object such as object 595, quickly remove the object, and then quickly move on to the next object to be removed.

[0140] The accessory device 500 includes an input shaft 535 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool to which the accessory device 500 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 535 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above (FIG. 1), so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 500 via the input shaft 535. The input shaft 535 drives a driving member 550 in the form of a threaded shaft. A driven member 560 is threadably coupled to the driving member 550 so that a rotation of the driving member 550 about a longitudinal axis of the driving member 550 results in an axial movement of the driven member 560 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driving member 550.Accessory device 500 also includes a lifter 512, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a movable blade, that is coupled to the driven member 560 and that isAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403configured to apply an axial force to an object such as object 595 to lift or pull the object or otherwise apply an axial force to the object. In the illustrated example the lifter 512 and driven member 560 are separate components that are moveably coupled together.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, accessory device 500 may include first and second axial guide members 520 (e.g., unthreaded rods or columns) that are configured to restrict a rotational motion of the driven member 560 and provide bearing surfaces that guide the driven member 560 in an axial direction. For example, driven member 560 may be slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members 520 for supporting axial movement of driven member 560 and lifter 512 along a longitudinal axis of the body housing 594. The lifter 512 may have a first portion 564 that defines a first surface 566 that is configured to come into contact with and apply a force to an object such as object 595. The first portion 564 of the lifter 512 may include a claw 568 that defines a nail slot 572 for engaging a head of a nail. In an example the first portion 564 of the lifter 512 has a tapered end 574 and in some examples the base 596 also has a tapered ends 576. The tapered ends 574, 576 may facilitate positioning or sliding the lifter 512 and base 596 between two objects or workpieces, such as between two boards, a nail and a board, or an object to be lifted and a surface the object is resting on, and the like. Aback side of the base 596 may define a striking face 527 for striking the back side of the base 596 with, for example, a hammer, to force the tapered ends 574 of the lifter 512 and the tapered ends 576 of the base 596 into engagement with an object or between two objects. In an example the lifter 512 or movable blade may be movable between a first position that is flush with the base 596 and a second position away from the base during a lifting or pulling operation.

[0142] FIGS. 5D and 5E show the lifter 512 in a lowermost position, where top a surface 567 of the lifter 512 and top surface 578 of the base 596 are substantially aligned and define a common work surface. The tapered ends 574 of the lifter 512 and the tapered ends 576 of the base 596 may also be substantially aligned to define a common tapered end. The alignment of the lifter 512 and base 596 can be beneficial for positioning the bottom end of the accessory device 500 in a desired position below an object for lifting the object, where the lifter 512 and base 596 can be used as a combined angled member for driving the lower end of the accessory device 500 between two objects, below a heavy object, and the like. The striking face 527 can also be used for driving the bottom end of the accessory device 500 into position to remove an object such as to pull a nail out of a board.

[0143] FIGS. 5F and 5G are detail side cross-sectional views illustrating example internal components of bearing housing 591. In the illustrated example, the input shaft 535 isAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403coupled to a top end or proximal end of the driving member 550. Bearing housing 591 includes at least one bearing 540 that supports rotation of the driving member 550 about a central longitudinal axis of the driving member. In other examples, the input shaft 535 and the driving member 550 may be separate components that are directly or indirectly coupled. In some examples, the input shaft 535 may be a replaceable component that is removably coupled to bearing housing 591. Unlike accessory device 200, in the illustrated example, accessory device 500 does not include a gear assembly for modifying a rotational speed and input torque received at input shaft 535. Without a speed-reducing gear assembly, a rotational speed of the driving member 550 is higher, which will result in a faster translation of the lifter 512, which can be beneficial for quickly and efficiently removing a large number of objects, such as nails, staples, screws, and other fasteners, in a short period of time. In other examples, accessory device 500 may include a transmission that includes one or more gears, including any of the gear assembly configurations described and illustrated herein.

[0144] Driving member 550 may include at least one unthreaded portion 554 located above or proximal of a top end 556 or proximal end of the threaded portion 552 of the driving member. The at least one unthreaded portion 554 may act as a dead zone to prevent a binding or damage to threaded components as described further herein. As shown in FIG. 5G, accessory device 500 may also include at least one biasing member 570, and in the example, two biasing members disposed in a bottom side of the bearing housing 591. As described further herein, the at least one biasing member 570 are configured as resilient stops that are designed to engage the driven member 560 when the driven member reaches an uppermost extent of travel and to bias the driven member 560 into reengagement with the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550. In the illustrated example, the biasing members 570 include a cap 571 and spring 573 slidably disposed in a recess defined by the bearing housing 591, with the cap protruding from a bottom surface of the bearing housing. The at least one biasing member 570 may be configured to make contact with the driven member 560 when the driven member reaches the uppermost extent of travel. The at least one biasing member 570 may be configured to urge the driven member 560 into threaded engagement with the driving member 550.

[0145] FIG. 5H is a detail side cross-sectional view of a bottom end of the accessory device 500 and FIG. 51 illustrates certain components of the accessory device 500 with the base 596 removed. As illustrated, a bottom end 544 or distal end of the driving member 550 may be rotatably coupled to the base 596 by at least one bearing 540. In one example, the at least one bearing 540 includes a thrust bearing 540a and a sleeve bearing 540b. A shaftAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403coupler 542 may be rotatably disposed in an interior of the base 596 and rotatably supported by the at least one bearing 540 and configured to receive the bottom end 544 of the driving member 550 for rotatably coupling the driving member to the base. A shown in FIG. 51, accessory device 500 may include at least one biasing member 570, for example, two biasing members, in the base 596 for resiliently biasing the lifter 512 and driven member 560 when the lifter 512 and driven member 560 are at a lowermost extent of travel. As discussed further herein, the at least one biasing member 570 may be configured to support reengagement of threaded portions of the driven member 560 and driving member 550. In one example, the at least one biasing member 570 located in the base 596 may have a similar configuration as the at least one biasing member 570 located in the bearing housing 591 (FIG.5G) including a cap 571 and spring 573 slidably disposed in a recess defined by the base 596, with the cap protruding from a top surface of the base and configured to make contact with the driven member 560 when the driven member reaches the lowermost extent of travel.

[0146] FIG. 5 J is a front perspective view and FIG. 5K is a side view of the driven member 560 and lifter 512. FIG. 5L is a detail side cross-sectional view of the driven member 560 and lifter 512 in a lowered position and FIG. 5M is a side view thereof in a raised position above the lowered position of FIG. 5L. Referring to FIGS. 5H-5M, in the illustrated example, the driven member 560 and the lifter 512 are separate components that are moveably coupled together by one or more axial guide members 561, here four axial guide members. The driven member 560 may include a body portion 522 and a threaded portion 523, where the threaded portion is configured to threadably engage the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550. The driven member 560 is coupled to the lifter 512 by the plurality of axial guide members 561. In one example, a first end of each of the axial guide members 561 is fixedly coupled to a second portion 565 of the lifter 512 and a second end of each of the axial guide members 561 is moveably coupled to the body portion 522 of the driven member 560. For example, the body portion 522 of the driven member 560 may include a plurality of openings 521 that define a surface 524 (see FIG. 5L). The axial guide members 561 may be slidably disposed in the openings 521 and each include a stop 525 that is configured to come into contact and rest against a corresponding surface 524 of the plurality of openings 521.

[0147] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 J and 5K, the threaded portion 523 may be formed as a separate component from the body portion 522 of the driven member 560 and coupled together by, e.g., fasteners. In other examples, the threaded portion 523 and body portion 522 may be formed as a single unitary component and / or fixedly coupled together.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403The threaded portion 523 includes a threaded inner surface 531 that defines an opening that is configured to engage the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550. The threaded portion 523 may have a height that is greater than a thickness of the body portion 522 such that a bottom end 532 of the threaded portion 523 extends from or protrudes from a lower surface 533 of the body portion 522 and is configured to be insertable into an opening 534 defined by the second portion 565 of the lifter 512.

[0148] In the illustrated example, the lifter 512 includes a first portion 564 that defines a first surface 566 that is configured to come into contact with and apply an axial force to an object such as object 595. The first portion 564 of the lifter 512 may include a claw 568 that defines a nail slot 572 for engaging a nail or other elongate object. In an example the first portion 564 of the lifter 512 has a tapered end 574.

[0149] A height of the lifter 512 and driven member 560 relative to the base 596 may be selected and controlled by rotation of the driving member 550. A power tool such, as power tool 100 (FIG. 1), can be removably attached to input shaft 535 (e.g. FIG. 5D) to selectively rotate the driving member 550 in either a first rotational direction or a second, opposite, rotational direction.

[0150] FIGS. 5L-5O illustrate the driven member 560 and lifter 512 at various axial positions and illustrate an operation of the accessory device 500. FIG. 5L shows the driven member 560 and lifter 512 in a lowermost position where the lifter 512 is resting on the base 596. The driven member 560 is disengaged from the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550 and positioned adjacent an unthreaded portion 554 of the driving member 550. In the lowermost position, the driven member 560 and the lifter 512 are in a collapsed or nested position where the driven member 560 has slid down the axial guide members 561 and is resting on a top surface of the second portion 565 of the lifter 512. In the collapsed or nested position, the bottom end 532 of the threaded portion 523 may be inserted into and nested within the opening 534 of the second portion 565. Rotation of driving member 550 in a first direction will, therefore, not apply a downward axial force to the driven member 560 because the threaded inner surface 531 of the driven member 560 is not engaged with the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550. Thus, the at least one unthreaded portion 554 acts as a dead zone that prevents any binding or damage to the accessory device 500 due to continued rotation of the driving member 550 in the first direction. In some examples, a length of the at least one unthreaded portion 554 of the driving member 550 is equal to or greater than a length of the threaded inner surface 531 of the driven member 560, so as to define a decoupling mechanism that inhibits or restricts unwanted binding or damage toAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403threaded components.

[0151] Operation of the power tool 100 in a second, opposite rotational direction may cause rotation of the driving member 550 in the second opposite direction. The biasing members 570 (FIG. 51) located in the base 596 may be configured to apply a resilient force in an upward or proximal direction to urge threaded inner surface 531 of driven member 560 into engagement with the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550. Rotation of the driving member 550 in the second direction causes re-engagement of the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550 with the threaded portion 523 of the driven member 560. Continued rotation of the driving member 550 in the second direction, along with the sliding engagement between the driven member 560 and first and second axial guide members 520, which prevent rotation of the driven member 560, causes the driven member 560 to translate in an upward or proximal axial direction and separate from the lifter 512 to the position shown in FIG. 5M. In the position shown in FIG. 5M, the driven member 560 and lifter 512 are in a spaced position where the driven member and lifter are spaced apart. The stops 525 of the axial guide members 561 have come into contact with the surfaces 524 of the plurality of openings 521 in the driven member 560. Continued rotation of the driving member 550 in the second direction and continued upward or proximal axial movement by the driven member 560 will result in the lifter 512 being lifted up by the axial guide members 561 and moving in an upward or proximal direction with the driven member 560 until the driven member 560 reaches the uppermost position shown in FIGS. 5N and 50.

[0152] FIG. 5N is a detail front perspective view of a top portion of the accessory device 500 with the housing 590 shown as transparent to illustrate internal components. FIG.50 is a detail side cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the accessory device 500 with the body housing 594 removed. FIGS. 5N and 50 show the driven member 560 and lifter 512 in an uppermost position where the driven member 560 has reached an uppermost extent of travel. In the uppermost position, the threaded inner surface 531 of driven member 560 has separated from the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550 and is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion 554 of the driving member 550 located adjacent a top end of the driving member. Continued rotation of the driving member 550 in the second direction will not, therefore, cause continued upward movement of the driven member 560, with the at least one unthreaded portion 554 acting as a dead zone that inhibits binding or damage to the accessory device 500 due to continued rotation of the driving member 550 in the second direction. In some examples, a length of the at least one unthreaded portion 554 at the top or proximal end of the driving member 550 is equal to or greater than a length of the threadedAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403inner surface 531 of the driven member 560, so as to define a decoupling mechanism that inhibits or restricts unwanted binding or damage to threaded components. The driving member 550 can be rotated in the first direction to lower the driven member 560 and the lifter 512. The at least one biasing member 570 disposed in the bearing housing 591 may apply a downward or distal resilient biasing force to the driven member 560 to facilitate reengagement of the threaded inner surface 531 with the threaded portion 552 of the driving member 550.

[0153] FIGA. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an example accessory device 600, in the form of a lifting or pulling accessory, such as a fastener puller, coupled to power tool 100. Example accessory device 600 has a similar configuration and method of operation as accessory device 500 and is designed and configured to apply an axial force in the form of a lifting or pulling force to lift, pull, or separate an object 695, such as a nail, from a workpiece, such as a piece of wood. Example accessory device 600 may also be used in any of a variety of other ways, such as to separate two or more objects, provide a leveling or holding function, etc. FIG. 6C is a front perspective view, FIG. 6D is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 6E is a front perspective view with a housing of the accessory device 600 removed.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B, in some examples, an angled brace assembly 130 may be coupled to the example power tool 100 and to the accessory device 200, 500, or 600. The angled brace assembly 130 may reinforce a coupling of an accessory device, such as accessory device 200, 500, or 600, to the example power tool 100. The angled brace assembly 130 may be similar to brace assemblies disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application. No. 17 / 658,276, filed on April 7, 2022, entitled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” and U.S. Application No. 18 / 501,004, filed Nov. 2, 2023, entitled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The example brace assembly 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In an example, any of the brace assemblies described in the aforementioned patent application(s) may be utilized with accessory devices of the present disclosure. The example brace assembly 130 includes a clamping assembly 140 configured to be removably and rigidly attached to a base portion 198 of the handle portion 195 of the housing 190. A collar 132 is configured to be coupled to a bearing housing 691 of the example accessory device 600. An arm assembly 134 has a first end portion pivotally coupled to the collar 132, and an opposite, second end portion coupled to the clamping assembly 140.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 6C-6E, in the illustrated example, accessory device 600Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403includes a housing 690 which includes a bearing housing 691, and a body housing 694.Housing 690 is coupled to a base 696, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a stationary blade, which provides a stable support for accessory device 600 on a surface, such as a surface of workpiece. In an example, accessory device 600 is designed and configured to be relatively light and maneuverable with the housing 690 having a shape and dimension that are configured for a comfortable one-handed grip by a user so that a user can quickly and easily position the accessory device 600 for removal of an object such as object 695, quickly remove the object, and then quickly move on to the next object to be removed. A portion of the housing 690, such as the body housing 694 may include one or more contours 692 or depressions or other ergonomic features for securely and comfortably gripping the body housing 694 with a user’s hand.

[0156] The accessory device 600 includes an input shaft 635 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool, such as power tool 100, to which the accessory device 600 may be coupled. For example, the input shaft 635 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 as shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 600 via the input shaft 635. The input shaft 635 drives a driving member 650 in the form of a threaded shaft. A driven member 660 is threadably coupled to the driving member 650 so that a rotation of the driving member 650 about a longitudinal axis of the driving member 650 results in an axial movement of the driven member 660 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driving member 650. The accessory device 600 may also include a lifter 612, also referred to herein, in some implementations, as a movable blade, that is coupled to the driven member 660 and that is configured to apply an axial force to an object such as object 695 to lift or pull the object or otherwise apply an axial force to the object. Unlike accessory device 500, in the illustrated example, the lifter 612 and driven member 660 are formed as a single component.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 6E, accessory device 600 may include first and second axial guide members 620 (e.g., unthreaded rods or columns) that are configured to restrict a rotational motion of the driven member 660 and provide bearing surfaces that guide the driven member 660 in an axial direction. For example, driven member 660 may be slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members 620 for supporting axial movement of driven member 660 and lifter 612 along a longitudinal axis of body housing 694. In an example, the lifter 612 may have substantially the same configuration as lifter 512, including a first surface 666 that is configured to come into contact with and apply a force to an object such as object 695 in the form of a nail. The first portion of the lifter 612 may include a clawAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403668 that defines a nail slot 672 for engaging a head of a nail. In an example, the lifter 612 has a tapered end 674 and in some examples the base 696 also has a tapered ends 676. The tapered ends 674, 676 may facilitate positioning or sliding the lifter 612 and base 696 between two objects or workpieces, such as between two boards, a nail and a board, or an object to be lifted and a surface the object us resting on, and the like. In an example the lifter 612 or movable blade may be movable between a first position that is flush with the base 696 and a second position away from the base during a lifting or pulling operation. A back side of the base 696 may define a striking face 627 for striking the back side of the base 696 with, for example, a hammer, to force the tapered ends 674 of the lifter 612 and the tapered ends 676 of the base 696 into engagement with an object or between two objects.

[0158] FIGS. 6F and 6G are side and front cross-sectional views of accessory device 600. In the illustrated example, the input shaft 635 is a top end or proximal end of the driving member 650. Bearing housing 691 may include at least one bearing 640 that supports rotation of the driving member 650 about a central longitudinal axis of the driving member. In other examples, the input shaft 635 and the driving member 650 may be separate components that are directly or indirectly coupled. In some examples, the input shaft 635 may be a replaceable component that is removably coupled to bearing housing 691. Unlike accessory device 200, in the illustrated example, accessory device 600 does not include a gear assembly for modifying a rotational speed and input torque received at input shaft 635.Without a speed-reducing gear assembly, a rotational speed of the driving member 650 is higher, which will result in a faster translation of the lifter 612, which can be beneficial for quickly and efficiently removing a large number of objects, such as nails, in a short period of time. In other examples, accessory device 600 may include a transmission that includes one or more gears, including any of the gear assembly configurations described and illustrated above in connection with accessory device 200 and gear assemblies 334 and 334’ or any combination thereof. Driving member 650 may include at least one unthreaded portion 654a, 654b and in the illustrated example includes first and second unthreaded portions 654a, 654b located at a top and bottom ends of the driving member 650. Similar to accessory device 500, the unthreaded portions 654a, 654b may act as dead zones that prevent a binding or damage to threaded components.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 6G, accessory device 600 may also include at least one biasing member 670a, 670b for resiliently biasing the driven member 660 when the driven member is in a uppermost or lowermost extent of travel. In the illustrated example accessory device 600 includes biasing members 670a, 670b in the form of compression springsAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403disposed around the first and second axial guide members 620 and located at top and bottom ends of the axial guide members. In other examples, any of a variety of other biasing members may be used, such as coil springs, extension springs, wave springs, leaf springs, other resilient or elastic materials, among others.

[0160] A bottom end or distal end of driving member 650 may be rotatably coupled to base 696 by at least one bearing 640. In one example, the at least one bearing 640 includes a thrust bearing 640a and a sleeve bearing 640b. A shaft coupler 642 may be rotatably disposed in an interior of the base 696 and rotatably supported by the at least one bearing 640 and configured to receive the bottom end of the driving member 650 for rotatably coupling the driving member to the base.

[0161] The driven member 660 may include a body portion 622 and a threaded portion 623, where the threaded portion is configured to threadably engage the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650. In the illustrated example, threaded portion 623 may be formed as a separate component from the body portion 622 of the driven member 660 and coupled together by, e.g., fasteners. In other examples, the threaded portion 623 and body portion 622 may be formed as a single component. The threaded portion 623 includes a threaded inner surface that defines an opening that is configured to engage the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650.

[0162] A height of the lifter 612 and driven member 660 may be selected and controlled by rotation of the driving member 650. A power tool such, as power tool 100, can be removably attached to input shaft 635 to selectively rotate the driving member 650 in either a first rotational direction or a second, opposite, rotational direction.

[0163] FIGS. 6F and 6G show the driven member 660 and lifter 612 in a lowermost position where the lifter 612 is resting on base 696. The driven member 660 is disengaged from the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650 and positioned adjacent an unthreaded portion 654a. In the lowermost position, rotation of driving member 650 in a first direction will not apply a downward axial force to the driven member 660 due to the at least one unthreaded portion 654a. Thus, the at least one unthreaded portion 654a acts as a dead zone that prevents any binding or damage to the accessory device 600 due to continued rotation of the driving member 650 in the first direction after the driven member 660 reaches the lower or distal extent of travel. In some examples, a length of the at least one unthreaded portion 654a of the driving member 650 is equal to or greater than a length of the threaded portion 623 of the driven member 660, so as to define a decoupling mechanism that inhibits or restricts unwanted binding or damage to threaded components.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403

[0164] Operation of the power tool 100 in a second, opposite rotational direction may cause rotation of the driving member 650 in the second opposite direction. The biasing members 670a located at the bottom ends of the axial guide members 620 may be configured to apply a resilient force in an upward or proximal direction to urge threaded portion 623 of driven member 660 into engagement with the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650. Rotation of the driving member 650 in the second direction causes re-engagement of the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650 with the threaded portion 623 of the driven member 660. Continued rotation of the driving member 650 in the second direction, along with the sliding engagement between the driven member 660 and first and second axial guide members 620, which prevent rotation of the driven member 660, causes the driven member 660 to translate in an upward or proximal axial direction.

[0165] Continued rotation of the driving member 650 in the second direction will cause continued upward movement of the driven member 660 and lifter 612 until the driven member 660 reaches the upper unthreaded portion 654b. Once the threaded portion 623 has fully decoupled from the threaded portion 652 and is positioned adjacent the upper unthreaded portion 654b, continued rotation of the driving member 650 will not result in a further upper axial force applied by the driven member 660 due to the dead zone provided by the upper unthreaded portion 654b and the corresponding decoupling function it provides. When a user wishes to again lower the driven member 660 and lifter 612, the driving member 650 can again be rotated in the first direction. The upper biasing members 670b located at the top ends of the axial guide members 620 may be configured to apply a resilient force in a downward or distal direction to urge threaded portion 623 of driven member 660 into engagement with the threaded portion 652 of the driving member 650. The resilient force provided by the upper biasing members 670b can be helpful when the accessory device 600 is not positioned in a fully vertical position, such as an angled or horizontal or upside-down orientation. In other examples, the accessory device 600 may not include the at least one biasing member 670a, 670b or may have a different type of biasing member including any of the biasing members disclosed herein.

[0166] In an example, accessory devices of the present disclosure, including accessory device 200, accessory device 400, accessory device 500 or accessory device 600, may be configured to generate an axial force at a lifter of the accessory device between approximately 15 lb and approximately 400 lb, and in some examples, between approximately 30 lb and approximately 200 lb, and in some examples, between approximately 50 lb and approximately 100 lb. In an example, accessory devices of theAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403present disclosure, including accessory device 200, accessory device 400, accessory device 500 or accessory device 600, may be configured to generate an axial force at a lifter of the accessory device between approximately 200 lb and approximately 2,000 lb, and in some examples, between approximately 500 lb and approximately 1,500 lb, and in some examples, between approximately 500 lb and approximately 1,000 lb. In some examples, accessory devices of the present disclosure may be configured to receive an input torque from a power tool. In some examples, a ratio of an axial force generated at a lifter of the accessory device to the input torque from a power tool may be between approximately 30in_|and approximately 130m’1, and in some examples, between approximately 50m'1and approximately lOOin'1.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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," 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.

[0169] 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,Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403layer 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the implementations. It should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein can include various combinations and / or sub-combinations of the functions, components and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including:an input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool;a driving member coupled to the input shaft and configured to be rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion;a driven member that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; anda lifter coupled to the driven member that is configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled;wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes an axial translation of the driven member and the lifter along the first axis so the lifter lifts or pulls the object; andwherein, when the driven member reaches an axial extent of the axial translation, the second threaded portion is configured to disengage from the first threaded portion to inhibit further axial translation of the lifter.

2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends, wherein when the driven member is positioned at the axial extent of the axial translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.

3. The accessory device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

4. The accessory device of claim 3, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

5. The accessory device of claim 3, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -04036. The accessory device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the lifter is moveably coupled to the driven member.

7. The accessory device of claim 6, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the lifter by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and lifter are spaced apart and a nested position.

8. The accessory device of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a base located at a lower end of the accessory device, wherein the base includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the base, wherein the lifter includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the lifter, wherein when the lifter is positioned at the lower end of the accessory device, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the base and lifter between two objects.

9. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the base includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.

10. The accessory device of any of claims 1-9, further comprising a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torque from the input shaft to the driving member.

11. The accessory device of claim 10, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the input shaft to the driving member.

12. The accessory device of claims 10 or 11, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

13. The accessory device of claims 10-12, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

14. The accessory device of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -040315. The accessory device of claim 14, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position to a locked position.

16. The accessory device of any of claims 1-15, further comprising first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

17. The accessory device of claim 16, further comprising a housing, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

18. The accessory device of any of claims 1-17, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

19. The accessory device of any of claims 1-17, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.

20. The accessory device of any of claims 1-19, wherein the lifter includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the lifter.

21. The accessory device of any of claims 1-20, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the lifter between approximately 5001b and approximately 2,0001b.

22. The accessory device of any of claims 1-21, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the lifter.

23. The accessory device of any of claims 1-22, wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -040324. The accessory device of any of claims 1-23, further comprising a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.

25. The accessory device of any of claims 1-23, wherein a ratio of an axial force generated at the lifter to an input torque from a power tool is between approximately 30in_|and approximately 130m'1.

26. An accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including:a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;a stationary blade coupled to the distal end and configured to engage a work surface; an input shaft at least partially received in the proximal end and configured to be coupled to a power tool;a driving member at least partially received in the housing and coupled to the input shaft to be rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion;a driven member at least partially received in the housing that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; anda movable blade coupled to the driven member and movable between a first position that is flush with the stationary blade and a second position away from the stationary blade, the movable blade configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled from the work surface,wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes axial translation of the driven member and the movable blade along the first axis so the movable blade lifts or pulls the object from the work surface.

27. The accessory device of claim 26, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends, wherein when the driven member is positioned at an axial extent of translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -040328. The accessory device of claim 26 or 27, further comprising at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

29. The accessory device of claim 28, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

30. The accessory device of claim 28, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

31. The accessory device of any of claims 26-30, wherein the movable blade is moveably coupled to the driven member.

32. The accessory device of claim 31, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the movable blade by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and movable blade are spaced apart and a nested position.

33. The accessory device of any of claims 26-32, wherein the stationary blade includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the stationary blade, wherein the movable blade includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the movable blade, wherein when the movable blade is positioned at the first position, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the stationary blade and movable blade between two objects.

34. The accessory device of claim 33, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the stationary blade includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.

35. The accessory device of any of claims 26-34, further comprising a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torque from the input shaft to the driving member.

36. The accessory device of claim 35, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the input shaft to the driving member.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -040337. The accessory device of claims 35 or 36, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

38. The accessory device of claims 35-37, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

39. The accessory device of claim 38, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.

40. The accessory device of claim 39, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position to a locked position.

41. The accessory device of any of claims 26-40, further comprising first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

42. The accessory device of claim 41, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

43. The accessory device of any of claims 26-42, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

44. The accessory device of any of claims 26-43, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.

45. The accessory device of any of claims 26-44, wherein the movable blade includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the movable blade.

46. The accessory device of any of claims 26-45, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the movable blade between approximately 5001b andAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403approximately 2,0001b.

47. The accessory device of any of claims 26-46, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the movable blade.

48. The accessory device of any of claims 26-47, wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.

49. The accessory device of any of claims 26-48, further comprising a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.

50. The accessory device of any of claims 26-49, wherein a ratio of an axial force generated at the movable blade to an input torque from a power tool is between approximately 30in_|and approximately 130m’1.

51. An accessory device for a power tool, the accessory device including:a housing;a brace assembly configured to support the housing relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool; an input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool;a driving member coupled to the input shaft and configured to be rotatably driven about a first axis, the driving member including a first threaded portion;a driven member that includes a second threaded portion configured to engage the first threaded portion; anda lifter coupled to the driven member that is configured to engage an object to be lifted or pulled,wherein, when the second threaded portion engages the first threaded portion, rotation of the driving member about the first axis causes axial translation of the driven member and the lifter along the first axis so the lifter lifts or pulls the object.

52. The accessory device of claim 51, wherein the driving member includes first and second ends and at least one unthreaded portion proximate one of the first and second ends,Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403wherein when the driven member is positioned at an axial extent of translation, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are decoupled and the second threaded portion is positioned adjacent the at least one unthreaded portion of the driving member.

53. The accessory device of claim 51 or 52, further comprising at least one biasing member configured to bias the first and second threaded portions into engagement when the first and second threaded portions are decoupled.

54. The accessory device of claim 53, wherein the driving member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

55. The accessory device of claim 53, wherein the driven member is resiliently biased by the at least one biasing member.

56. The accessory device of any of claims 51-55, wherein the lifter is moveably coupled to the driven member.

57. The accessory device of claim 56, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the lifter by at least one axial guide member and movable between a spaced position wherein the driven member and lifter are spaced apart and a nested position.

58. The accessory device of any of claims 51-57, further comprising a base located at a lower end of the accessory device, wherein the base includes a first tapered end located on a front side of the base, wherein the lifter includes a second tapered end located on a front side of the lifter, wherein when the lifter is positioned at the lower end of the accessory device, the first and second tapered ends are aligned for positioning the front ends of the base and lifter between two objects.

59. The accessory device of claim 58, wherein a back side of at least one of the driven member or the base includes a striking face for striking the accessory device to force the tapered ends into engagement with an object.

60. The accessory device of any of claims 51-59, further comprising a transmission that includes a gear assembly, wherein the transmission is configured to transmit an input torqueAttorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -0403from the input shaft to the driving member.

61. The accessory device of claim 60, wherein the gear assembly provides a speed reduction and torque increase from the input shaft to the driving member.

62. The accessory device of claims 60 or 61, wherein a speed reduction ratio of the transmission is between approximately 50:1 and approximately 5:1.

63. The accessory device of claims 60-62, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the transmission when the driven member is positioned at an upper extent of the axial translation of the driven member.

64. The accessory device of claim 63, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking arm that is resiliently biased to an unlocked position.

65. The accessory device of claim 64, wherein the driven member contacts the locking arm when the driven member is driven to the upper extent of the axial translation and pivots the locking arm from the unlocked position to a locked position.

66. The accessory device of any of claims 51-65, further comprising first and second axial guide members, wherein the driven member is slidably coupled to the first and second axial guide members, wherein the first and second axial guide members prevent a rotation of the driven member about the first axis.

67. The accessory device of claim 66, further comprising a housing, wherein the driving member and driven member are disposed in the housing, wherein the axial guide members form a portion of the housing.

68. The accessory device of any of claims 51-67, wherein the accessory device is a fastener puller.

69. The accessory device of any of claims 51-67, wherein the accessory device is a construction jack.Attorney Docket No. 0029-097 WO 1 / PCT-TN-2023 -040370. The accessory device of any of claims 51-69, wherein the lifter includes a claw and a fastener receiving slot on a front end of the lifter.

71. The accessory device of any of claims 51-70, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate an axial force at the lifter between approximately 5001b and approximately 2,0001b.

72. The accessory device of any of claims 51-71, wherein the accessory device is configured to generate at least approximately 1,0001b of axial force at the lifter.

73. The accessory device of any of claims 51-72, wherein the input shaft is configured to be driven by an output tool holder of a separate rotary power tool.

74. The accessory device of any of claims 51-73, further comprising a brace assembly configured to support the accessory device relative to the power tool, the brace assembly including an arm configured to be removeably attached to the power tool and a collar coupled to the arm and configured to be coupled to the accessory device.

75. The accessory device of any of claims 51-74, wherein a ratio of an axial force generated at the lifter to an input torque from a power tool is between approximately 30in_|and approximately 130m'1.

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