CA2029513A1 - Rotary cutter tool - Google Patents
Rotary cutter toolInfo
- Publication number
- CA2029513A1 CA2029513A1 CA 2029513 CA2029513A CA2029513A1 CA 2029513 A1 CA2029513 A1 CA 2029513A1 CA 2029513 CA2029513 CA 2029513 CA 2029513 A CA2029513 A CA 2029513A CA 2029513 A1 CA2029513 A1 CA 2029513A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cutting
- workpiece
- tines
- yieldable
- cutting edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure Provided is a rotary cutting tool for cutting elongated objects such as electrical cable armor. The tool includes a frame or yoke with a rotary cutting element supported thereon. A pair of spaced-apart workpiece-contacting elements or guide members are supported on the frame and positioned on opposite sides of the cutting element to make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece radially outwardly of the cutting element's cutting edge. The workpiece-contacting elements are yieldable toward the cutting edge to an extent sufficient to allow relative movement of the cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece and to thereby guide and brace the workpiece against substantially tangential movement relative to the rotary cutting element.
Description
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Descr~ption ROTAR~ CUTTER TOOL
Technical Field -This invention relates to a rotary cutting tool 5 particularly adapted to easily cut "BX"- or "FLEX"-type spirally-wound electrical cable armor or other elongated articles.
Background Art According to many local building codes, electrical 10 wiring which is not enclosed within a building's walls must be protected in an armored sheath. This is normally done by running the wire through either a relatively rigid, although shapable, metallic conduit or by encasing the wire in a flexible armor sheath. This flexible armor sheath is 15 commonly referred to as "BX", which is supplied with the necessary wire conductors already encased therein, or "FLEX", which is a flexible armor sheath into which the necessary wires are introduced on site. Most commonly, these flexible armor sheaths are constructed of a 20 helically-wound metallic, or reinforced nonmetallic, material. Because of its helical construction, such an armor sheath is difficuIt to cut with ordinary tools.
Various tools, such~ a~ those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,176,646 and 3,453,917, have been designed to p~ovide a 25 longitudinal cut along such helically-wound cable armor.
C. A. Thatcher (U.S. Pat. No. 25176~646) discloses a tool for clamping cable armor in place and providing; a longitudinal cut in the sheath. This device is relatively large and is cumbersome for a worker to carry while on a 30 jobsite. It is a~so too large to conveniently be used in clo~e quarters. ~ ~
F. J. Perry (U.S.~ Pat. ~No. 3,453,917) shows a rotary cutter for flexible cable armor which clamps the sheath into place and creates a longitudinal cut.
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Each of the above-described devices is limitea to a specific use and does not allow the user to select the angle at which the sheath is cut. Despite the disclosure of these prior art devices, the heretofor most common 5method of cutting such cable armor is with an ordinary hack saw. The cable sheath is held in one hand while the other hand directs the saw diagonally across a helical strand of the sheath until it is completely cut through one turn of the helix. The sheath is then bent away from the cut line lOto separate the helical turns. Although a hack saw has a wide variety of alternative uses, it is still relatively large to be carried on a worker's tool belt and can be difficult to use in close quarters. Also, this method o~
cutting is slow and fatiguing to the worker. The hack saw 15blade is prone to slipping from its position on the sheath, resulting in a jagged cut edge or injury to the worXer's fingers.
Disclosure of the Invention __ The present invention provides a cutting tool with a 20rotary cutting element operably supported on a frame. The cutting element rotates about an axis to present a peripheral cutting edge. A pair of spaced-apart workpiece-contacting elements are supported by the frame and positioned on opposite sides of the cutting element, 25substantially axially spaced therefrom. The workpiece-contacting elements make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece radially outwardly of the cutting edge~ The workpiece-contacting elements are yieldable toward the cutting edge to an extent sufficient to allow 30relative movement of the cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece while the workpiece-contacting elements remain in contact with the workpiece.
The workpiece contacting elements may be in the form of a pair of spaced-apart forks. Each fork includes a base and 5a pair of tines extending from the base. Each tine has an outer end portion such that a space is defined be-tween each pair of tines. The tines projec-t from the bases a distance sufficient to position end portions of the tines outward o~
the rotary cutting element's rotary cutting edge. A pair 5Of yieldable guide members, each of which spans between the tines of a fork, are placed against spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece and are yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit relative movement of the cutting element into cutting contact with the workpiece. The yieldable guide members remain in contact with the workpiece as it is cut and brace the workpiece against movement which is substantially tangential to the cutting element.
The a~is of the rotary cutting element may be 5adjustable relative to the workpiece-contacting elements or guide members to provide the workpiece with a substantially transverse or slightly oblique cut. The outwardly-extending tines or workpiece-contacting elements normally protect the rotary cutting element ~rom 20inadvertent contact with other objects or surfaces.
It is an object of this invention to provide a hand-held, multipurpose cutting tool which can be conveniently carried by a worker and safely used,~even in close quarters.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a rotary cutting tool for c~tting eIongated objects, such ~as armored cable sheath, without the necessity of engaging the article in a clamping mechanism. The present invention provides a guide; m~eans which facilitates ~he positioning of 30elongated articles to be moved into cutting contact with the rotary cutting element.
Brief Description of the Drawinq:
Like reference numeràls are used to designate like sParts throughout the various ~igures o~ the drawing, and:
Descr~ption ROTAR~ CUTTER TOOL
Technical Field -This invention relates to a rotary cutting tool 5 particularly adapted to easily cut "BX"- or "FLEX"-type spirally-wound electrical cable armor or other elongated articles.
Background Art According to many local building codes, electrical 10 wiring which is not enclosed within a building's walls must be protected in an armored sheath. This is normally done by running the wire through either a relatively rigid, although shapable, metallic conduit or by encasing the wire in a flexible armor sheath. This flexible armor sheath is 15 commonly referred to as "BX", which is supplied with the necessary wire conductors already encased therein, or "FLEX", which is a flexible armor sheath into which the necessary wires are introduced on site. Most commonly, these flexible armor sheaths are constructed of a 20 helically-wound metallic, or reinforced nonmetallic, material. Because of its helical construction, such an armor sheath is difficuIt to cut with ordinary tools.
Various tools, such~ a~ those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,176,646 and 3,453,917, have been designed to p~ovide a 25 longitudinal cut along such helically-wound cable armor.
C. A. Thatcher (U.S. Pat. No. 25176~646) discloses a tool for clamping cable armor in place and providing; a longitudinal cut in the sheath. This device is relatively large and is cumbersome for a worker to carry while on a 30 jobsite. It is a~so too large to conveniently be used in clo~e quarters. ~ ~
F. J. Perry (U.S.~ Pat. ~No. 3,453,917) shows a rotary cutter for flexible cable armor which clamps the sheath into place and creates a longitudinal cut.
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Each of the above-described devices is limitea to a specific use and does not allow the user to select the angle at which the sheath is cut. Despite the disclosure of these prior art devices, the heretofor most common 5method of cutting such cable armor is with an ordinary hack saw. The cable sheath is held in one hand while the other hand directs the saw diagonally across a helical strand of the sheath until it is completely cut through one turn of the helix. The sheath is then bent away from the cut line lOto separate the helical turns. Although a hack saw has a wide variety of alternative uses, it is still relatively large to be carried on a worker's tool belt and can be difficult to use in close quarters. Also, this method o~
cutting is slow and fatiguing to the worker. The hack saw 15blade is prone to slipping from its position on the sheath, resulting in a jagged cut edge or injury to the worXer's fingers.
Disclosure of the Invention __ The present invention provides a cutting tool with a 20rotary cutting element operably supported on a frame. The cutting element rotates about an axis to present a peripheral cutting edge. A pair of spaced-apart workpiece-contacting elements are supported by the frame and positioned on opposite sides of the cutting element, 25substantially axially spaced therefrom. The workpiece-contacting elements make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece radially outwardly of the cutting edge~ The workpiece-contacting elements are yieldable toward the cutting edge to an extent sufficient to allow 30relative movement of the cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece while the workpiece-contacting elements remain in contact with the workpiece.
The workpiece contacting elements may be in the form of a pair of spaced-apart forks. Each fork includes a base and 5a pair of tines extending from the base. Each tine has an outer end portion such that a space is defined be-tween each pair of tines. The tines projec-t from the bases a distance sufficient to position end portions of the tines outward o~
the rotary cutting element's rotary cutting edge. A pair 5Of yieldable guide members, each of which spans between the tines of a fork, are placed against spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece and are yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit relative movement of the cutting element into cutting contact with the workpiece. The yieldable guide members remain in contact with the workpiece as it is cut and brace the workpiece against movement which is substantially tangential to the cutting element.
The a~is of the rotary cutting element may be 5adjustable relative to the workpiece-contacting elements or guide members to provide the workpiece with a substantially transverse or slightly oblique cut. The outwardly-extending tines or workpiece-contacting elements normally protect the rotary cutting element ~rom 20inadvertent contact with other objects or surfaces.
It is an object of this invention to provide a hand-held, multipurpose cutting tool which can be conveniently carried by a worker and safely used,~even in close quarters.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a rotary cutting tool for c~tting eIongated objects, such ~as armored cable sheath, without the necessity of engaging the article in a clamping mechanism. The present invention provides a guide; m~eans which facilitates ~he positioning of 30elongated articles to be moved into cutting contact with the rotary cutting element.
Brief Description of the Drawinq:
Like reference numeràls are used to designate like sParts throughout the various ~igures o~ the drawing, and:
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Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of the cu-tting tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a cutter head portion fo the tool, shown engaging a portion of electrical 5 cable armor;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the cutting tooL showing the blade in a first angled position;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the tool showing the cutter wheel in the first angled position;
Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig. 4, showing the cutter wheel in a straight position and with -the guide forks removed;
Fig. 6 is a view taken substantially along lines 6-6 of Fig. 4, showing the attachment of a presser spring on a 15 fork and a cross-section of a ball bushing with a portion of the cutter axle extending therethrough;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 7--7 of Fig. 4, showing the attachment of a guide fork to a support member;
Fig. 8 is a side view of the tool's cutter head with an angled cutter wheel shown engaging a section of cable armor;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9--9 of Fig. 8, showing a portion of cable armor cut 25 accordin~ to the engagement shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, angled side view showing the drive engagement of bevel gears;
Fig. 11 is a front view similar to Fig. 3, in which the cutter wheel is shown in a straight position; and Fig. 12 is an end view similar to Figs. 3 and 11, wherein the cutter wheel is shown in a second angled position.
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Best Mode for Carr~ing out the Invention Referring to the various figures of the drawing, and first to Fig. 1, therein is shown at 10 a cutting tool _ aS_ .
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according to the preferred embodiment o~ the invention.
The cutting tool 10 includes a rotary cutting element in the form of a circular blade 12 rotatably mounted on an axle 14. The axle 14 extends between opposite side 5 portions 16, 18 of a support frame or yoke.
The side portions 16, 1~ of the frame e~ten~ forwardly in a substantially parallel direction from the tool body 20. The tool body 20 includes a motor housing 22 and a battery housing 24 which also serves as a grip handle. An 10 electric motor 19 which is powered by a rechargeable battery pack 21 and is operated by a trigger switch 23 is the preferred means for rotatably driving the blade 12. A
preferred drive connection will be further described in detail later.
Referring now also to Figs. 2, 4, 8 and ~0, each side portion 16, 18 is provided with a -fork 25, 27 which includes a pair of outwardly-extending tines 26, 28, 30, 32. Each pair of tines extends from a base portion 34, 36 which is part of, or attached to, the side portions 16, 18.
20 The side portions 16, 18 and forks 25, 27 are spaced apart substantially axially from the cutting blade 12. Extendin~
between each pair of tines 26, 28, 30, 32 are resiliently yieldable guide members. In preferred form, these yield-able guide members are coil springs 38, 40 having ends 25 attached to outward end portions of the tines 26, 28, 30, 3~.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 8, the forks 25, 27 project outwardly beycnd the cutting edge of the blade 12. In this manner, the blade 12 i8 normally substantially protected 30 from inadvertent contact with other objects or surfaces.
The forks 25, 27 are set wide enough to shield the blade not only forwardly but also on top and bottom sides. Rear blade shields 42, 44, which are preferably constructed from transparent materiaI, may~be provided to further protect 35 the hands ~nd eyes of the worker u~ng the tool 10.
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In use, ~n elongated workpiece 46 is positioned to extend substantially parallel to the axle 14 between respective pairs o~ tines 26, 28, 30, 32 and against the resiliently yieldable guide ~embers (springs 38, 40). The S tool 10 is then moved toward the workpiece 46, deflecting the guide springs 38, 40 until the blade 12 comes into cutting contact with the workpiece 46. The springs 28, 40 resiliently bend and stretch to substantially conform with the shape of the workpiece 46 and to provide a "bed" or 10 bight against which the workpiece 46 rests so that the workpiece 46 will resist tangential movement relative to and caused by the rotating cutting blade 12. A "cradling"
e~fect created by the resilient guide members 38, 40 also facilitates proper alignmen~ of the workpiece 46 relative 15 to the cutting blade 12.
According to one aspect of the invention, the angle at which the cutting element 12 contacts the workpiece 46 may be adjusted to be either perpendicular or angled to provide either a transverse or an oblique cut in the workpiece 46.
20 Normally, when the workpiece 46 is "BX" or "FLEX"
helically-wound flexible cable armor, the cutting blade 12 is positioned to contact the workpiece 46 slightly angled from perpendicular. The tool 10 is illustrated with the cutting blade 12 in this position in Figs. 1-4, 8 and 10.
25 This angle, shown as "A" in Figs. 3 and 9, provides a cut 47 substantially across a single turn of the helically-wound sheath 46. Angle A represents the degree to which the axis of the cutting blade 12 is rotated from perpendicùlar relative to the direction of the side 30 portions 16,:18, forks 25, 27, and guide springs 38, 40.
This angle A is typically approximately 25. If the tool 10 is to be used only for cutting the above-described type of workpiece 46, the axle 14 may be permanently secured in this position relative to the guide means. However, to 35 maXe the tool 10 usable ~or a plurality o~ cutting purposes, the axle 14 may be constructed to be adjustably positioned between the side portions 16, 18.
: -6-~J ~ 2 ~ . i. '~3 The preferred means for adjusting the angle of the cutting blade 12 is to support opposite end portions 46, 48 of the axle 14 in floating bearings 50, 52 which are slidably positionable along slots 54, 56 formed in the soppOsite side portions 16, 18.
Referring now to Fig. 6, each floating bearing 50, 52 is in the form of a ball bushing 58 having a central bore 60 -through which an end portion 46 o~ the axle 14 extends.
The ball bushing 58 is captured in a socket 62. The socket 1062 is notched (at 64) to be slidably held within the slot 54, 56. The floating bearing 50, 52 may be infinitely positionable along the length of the slot 54, 56 or may also be releasably held at definite positions, such as at extreme opposite ends, along the slot 54, 56 by detents 15(not shown), or the like.
The illustrated embodiment includes slots 54, 56 which extend from a central, aligned position to oppositely-directed positions. This allows the axle 14 and blade 12 to be positioned as shown in Figs. 3 and 11, and infinitely 20therebetween. If desired, the slots 54, 56 may extend in both directions from a central location to allow the axle 14 and blade 12 to be angled in the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 12. Such an angle would not be desirable for cutting BX or FLEX, but could be desirable for other 25cutting purposes.
In preferred form, the circular cutting blade 12 is driven by a battery-powered electric motor 19 having a drive shaft 66 which extends substantially perpendicular to the axle 14 and axis of the cutting blade 12. The drive 30energy is transferred to the cutting wheel 12 through a pair of complementary~bevel gears 68, 70. The driven gear 70 is mounted along with the cutting blade 12 on a hub or bearing 72. In this mbodiment, the axle 14 is fixed in place and the~bearing 72, along with driven gear 70 and 35cutting blade 12, rotate thereon. The bevel gears are held into lntermeshing contact by coil springs 74, 76. In this manner, drive gear 68 is relatively fixed in place while driven gear 70 is longitu~inally positionable along the axle 14. This allows the driven gear 70 to align itself against the drive gear 68 as the axle 14 is adjusted in 5 position from ~hat shown in Fig. 11 to that shown in either of Figs. 3 or 12. Gearing ratios may be selec~ed as necessary to provide proper power and speed. It is preferred that ~he electric motor 19 is selected to rotate at approximately 2,700 - 3,000 rpm. The cutting blade 12 lOis selected to operate at variable high speeds.
According to another aspect of the invention, the forks 25, 27 may be removable to allow varied uses of the cutting tool 10. In preferred form, each fork 25, 27, including its respective tines 26, 28, 30, 32 and presser spring 38, 15 40, is attached to the side portion 16, 18 of the support frame by screws 78, 80. The base portions 34, 36 of the Eorks 25, 27 are provided with a groove 82 which mates with a corresponding groove on the outward edge of the side portions 16, 18 of the frameO This provides a detachable, 20but rigid, connection between the members. The forks 25, 27 may also be moved to expose the cutting blade 12 in other manners (not shown) such as providing a hinge connection between the forks 25, 27 and respective side portions 16, 18 of the frame, or by pivotally connecting 25the tines 26, 28, 30, 32 to their respective base portions 34, 36. Without the protective extensions of the tines 26, 28, 30, 32, the cutting blade 12 may be exposed for use in close quarters or for cutting sheet materials. The cutting blade 12 may be interchangeable as needed to cut wood, 30metal, plastic, or other materials~
It is to be understood that the aspects and features of this invention may be practiced in many forms other than the preferred, illustrated embodiment. Therefore, my patent protection is to be measured and limited only by the 35appended claim or claims, interpreted according to accepted doctrines of claim interpretation, including the doctrine oE equivalents.
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Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of the cu-tting tool according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a cutter head portion fo the tool, shown engaging a portion of electrical 5 cable armor;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the cutting tooL showing the blade in a first angled position;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the tool showing the cutter wheel in the first angled position;
Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig. 4, showing the cutter wheel in a straight position and with -the guide forks removed;
Fig. 6 is a view taken substantially along lines 6-6 of Fig. 4, showing the attachment of a presser spring on a 15 fork and a cross-section of a ball bushing with a portion of the cutter axle extending therethrough;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 7--7 of Fig. 4, showing the attachment of a guide fork to a support member;
Fig. 8 is a side view of the tool's cutter head with an angled cutter wheel shown engaging a section of cable armor;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9--9 of Fig. 8, showing a portion of cable armor cut 25 accordin~ to the engagement shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, angled side view showing the drive engagement of bevel gears;
Fig. 11 is a front view similar to Fig. 3, in which the cutter wheel is shown in a straight position; and Fig. 12 is an end view similar to Figs. 3 and 11, wherein the cutter wheel is shown in a second angled position.
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Best Mode for Carr~ing out the Invention Referring to the various figures of the drawing, and first to Fig. 1, therein is shown at 10 a cutting tool _ aS_ .
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according to the preferred embodiment o~ the invention.
The cutting tool 10 includes a rotary cutting element in the form of a circular blade 12 rotatably mounted on an axle 14. The axle 14 extends between opposite side 5 portions 16, 18 of a support frame or yoke.
The side portions 16, 1~ of the frame e~ten~ forwardly in a substantially parallel direction from the tool body 20. The tool body 20 includes a motor housing 22 and a battery housing 24 which also serves as a grip handle. An 10 electric motor 19 which is powered by a rechargeable battery pack 21 and is operated by a trigger switch 23 is the preferred means for rotatably driving the blade 12. A
preferred drive connection will be further described in detail later.
Referring now also to Figs. 2, 4, 8 and ~0, each side portion 16, 18 is provided with a -fork 25, 27 which includes a pair of outwardly-extending tines 26, 28, 30, 32. Each pair of tines extends from a base portion 34, 36 which is part of, or attached to, the side portions 16, 18.
20 The side portions 16, 18 and forks 25, 27 are spaced apart substantially axially from the cutting blade 12. Extendin~
between each pair of tines 26, 28, 30, 32 are resiliently yieldable guide members. In preferred form, these yield-able guide members are coil springs 38, 40 having ends 25 attached to outward end portions of the tines 26, 28, 30, 3~.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 8, the forks 25, 27 project outwardly beycnd the cutting edge of the blade 12. In this manner, the blade 12 i8 normally substantially protected 30 from inadvertent contact with other objects or surfaces.
The forks 25, 27 are set wide enough to shield the blade not only forwardly but also on top and bottom sides. Rear blade shields 42, 44, which are preferably constructed from transparent materiaI, may~be provided to further protect 35 the hands ~nd eyes of the worker u~ng the tool 10.
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In use, ~n elongated workpiece 46 is positioned to extend substantially parallel to the axle 14 between respective pairs o~ tines 26, 28, 30, 32 and against the resiliently yieldable guide ~embers (springs 38, 40). The S tool 10 is then moved toward the workpiece 46, deflecting the guide springs 38, 40 until the blade 12 comes into cutting contact with the workpiece 46. The springs 28, 40 resiliently bend and stretch to substantially conform with the shape of the workpiece 46 and to provide a "bed" or 10 bight against which the workpiece 46 rests so that the workpiece 46 will resist tangential movement relative to and caused by the rotating cutting blade 12. A "cradling"
e~fect created by the resilient guide members 38, 40 also facilitates proper alignmen~ of the workpiece 46 relative 15 to the cutting blade 12.
According to one aspect of the invention, the angle at which the cutting element 12 contacts the workpiece 46 may be adjusted to be either perpendicular or angled to provide either a transverse or an oblique cut in the workpiece 46.
20 Normally, when the workpiece 46 is "BX" or "FLEX"
helically-wound flexible cable armor, the cutting blade 12 is positioned to contact the workpiece 46 slightly angled from perpendicular. The tool 10 is illustrated with the cutting blade 12 in this position in Figs. 1-4, 8 and 10.
25 This angle, shown as "A" in Figs. 3 and 9, provides a cut 47 substantially across a single turn of the helically-wound sheath 46. Angle A represents the degree to which the axis of the cutting blade 12 is rotated from perpendicùlar relative to the direction of the side 30 portions 16,:18, forks 25, 27, and guide springs 38, 40.
This angle A is typically approximately 25. If the tool 10 is to be used only for cutting the above-described type of workpiece 46, the axle 14 may be permanently secured in this position relative to the guide means. However, to 35 maXe the tool 10 usable ~or a plurality o~ cutting purposes, the axle 14 may be constructed to be adjustably positioned between the side portions 16, 18.
: -6-~J ~ 2 ~ . i. '~3 The preferred means for adjusting the angle of the cutting blade 12 is to support opposite end portions 46, 48 of the axle 14 in floating bearings 50, 52 which are slidably positionable along slots 54, 56 formed in the soppOsite side portions 16, 18.
Referring now to Fig. 6, each floating bearing 50, 52 is in the form of a ball bushing 58 having a central bore 60 -through which an end portion 46 o~ the axle 14 extends.
The ball bushing 58 is captured in a socket 62. The socket 1062 is notched (at 64) to be slidably held within the slot 54, 56. The floating bearing 50, 52 may be infinitely positionable along the length of the slot 54, 56 or may also be releasably held at definite positions, such as at extreme opposite ends, along the slot 54, 56 by detents 15(not shown), or the like.
The illustrated embodiment includes slots 54, 56 which extend from a central, aligned position to oppositely-directed positions. This allows the axle 14 and blade 12 to be positioned as shown in Figs. 3 and 11, and infinitely 20therebetween. If desired, the slots 54, 56 may extend in both directions from a central location to allow the axle 14 and blade 12 to be angled in the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 12. Such an angle would not be desirable for cutting BX or FLEX, but could be desirable for other 25cutting purposes.
In preferred form, the circular cutting blade 12 is driven by a battery-powered electric motor 19 having a drive shaft 66 which extends substantially perpendicular to the axle 14 and axis of the cutting blade 12. The drive 30energy is transferred to the cutting wheel 12 through a pair of complementary~bevel gears 68, 70. The driven gear 70 is mounted along with the cutting blade 12 on a hub or bearing 72. In this mbodiment, the axle 14 is fixed in place and the~bearing 72, along with driven gear 70 and 35cutting blade 12, rotate thereon. The bevel gears are held into lntermeshing contact by coil springs 74, 76. In this manner, drive gear 68 is relatively fixed in place while driven gear 70 is longitu~inally positionable along the axle 14. This allows the driven gear 70 to align itself against the drive gear 68 as the axle 14 is adjusted in 5 position from ~hat shown in Fig. 11 to that shown in either of Figs. 3 or 12. Gearing ratios may be selec~ed as necessary to provide proper power and speed. It is preferred that ~he electric motor 19 is selected to rotate at approximately 2,700 - 3,000 rpm. The cutting blade 12 lOis selected to operate at variable high speeds.
According to another aspect of the invention, the forks 25, 27 may be removable to allow varied uses of the cutting tool 10. In preferred form, each fork 25, 27, including its respective tines 26, 28, 30, 32 and presser spring 38, 15 40, is attached to the side portion 16, 18 of the support frame by screws 78, 80. The base portions 34, 36 of the Eorks 25, 27 are provided with a groove 82 which mates with a corresponding groove on the outward edge of the side portions 16, 18 of the frameO This provides a detachable, 20but rigid, connection between the members. The forks 25, 27 may also be moved to expose the cutting blade 12 in other manners (not shown) such as providing a hinge connection between the forks 25, 27 and respective side portions 16, 18 of the frame, or by pivotally connecting 25the tines 26, 28, 30, 32 to their respective base portions 34, 36. Without the protective extensions of the tines 26, 28, 30, 32, the cutting blade 12 may be exposed for use in close quarters or for cutting sheet materials. The cutting blade 12 may be interchangeable as needed to cut wood, 30metal, plastic, or other materials~
It is to be understood that the aspects and features of this invention may be practiced in many forms other than the preferred, illustrated embodiment. Therefore, my patent protection is to be measured and limited only by the 35appended claim or claims, interpreted according to accepted doctrines of claim interpretation, including the doctrine oE equivalents.
Claims (14)
1. A cutting tool, comprising:
a frame;
a rotary cutting element supported on said frame for rotation about an axis, and including a peripheral cutting edge;
a rotary drive connected to said cutting element;
a pair of spaced-apart workpiece-contacting elements supported by the frame positioned on substantially axially opposite sides of the cutting element, to make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece radially outwardly of said cutting edge; and said workpiece-contacting elements being yieldable toward the cutting edge to an extent sufficient to allow relative movement of the cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece while the workpiece-contacting elements are in contact with the workpiece.
a frame;
a rotary cutting element supported on said frame for rotation about an axis, and including a peripheral cutting edge;
a rotary drive connected to said cutting element;
a pair of spaced-apart workpiece-contacting elements supported by the frame positioned on substantially axially opposite sides of the cutting element, to make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece radially outwardly of said cutting edge; and said workpiece-contacting elements being yieldable toward the cutting edge to an extent sufficient to allow relative movement of the cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece while the workpiece-contacting elements are in contact with the workpiece.
2. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein spaced-apart yieldable workpiece-contacting elements being positioned to guide said cutting edge into cutting contact with the workpiece such that said workpiece is obliquely cut.
3. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein said workpiece-contacting elements each have a yieldable central portion which substantially conforms to the shape of the workpiece as the cutting edge is moved into cutting contact with the workpiece.
4. A cutting tool, comprising:
a pair of spaced-apart forks, each fork including a base and a pair of tines extending from said base;
each said pair of tines defining a space between them;
each said tine having an outer end portion;
an axle extending between said bases and having opposite ends which are supported by said basest a rotary cutting element mounted on said axle between said forks, said cutting element having a peripheral cutting edge and being rotatably driven by a drive motor;
said tines projecting from said bases a distance sufficient to place the end portions of the tines outward of said cutting edge;
a pair of yieldable guide members, each said guide member spanning between the tines of a said fork and having end portions connected to the end portions of such tines;
wherein in use said yieldable guide members are placed against spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece;
and said yieldable guide members being yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit relative movement of the cutting element into cutting contact with said workpiece with said yieldable guide members remaining in contact with said workpiece and said yieldable guide members and said tines bracing said workpiece against movement substantially tangential to said rotary cutting element.
a pair of spaced-apart forks, each fork including a base and a pair of tines extending from said base;
each said pair of tines defining a space between them;
each said tine having an outer end portion;
an axle extending between said bases and having opposite ends which are supported by said basest a rotary cutting element mounted on said axle between said forks, said cutting element having a peripheral cutting edge and being rotatably driven by a drive motor;
said tines projecting from said bases a distance sufficient to place the end portions of the tines outward of said cutting edge;
a pair of yieldable guide members, each said guide member spanning between the tines of a said fork and having end portions connected to the end portions of such tines;
wherein in use said yieldable guide members are placed against spaced-apart portions of an elongated workpiece;
and said yieldable guide members being yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit relative movement of the cutting element into cutting contact with said workpiece with said yieldable guide members remaining in contact with said workpiece and said yieldable guide members and said tines bracing said workpiece against movement substantially tangential to said rotary cutting element.
5. The cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein said yieldable guide members are made of a resiliently-elastic material.
6. The cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein said yieldable guide members include coil springs.
7. The cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein each of said forks is movable to a position wherein said end portions of said tines are positioned radially inwardly of said cutting edge such that said cutting element is substantially exposed.
8. The cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein each said guide member includes a central portion which contacts said workpiece and bends to substantially conform to the shape of the workpiece, said end portions extending outwardly from said central portion toward said end portions of the tines.
9. A power cutting tool, comprising:
a yoke including a base and spaced-apart side portions, each said side portion including a pair of spaced-apart tines;
an axle extending between the side portions of the yoke, said axle having opposite end portions which are supported by the side portions of the yoke;
a rotary cutting element mounted on said axle and including a cutting edge;
a drive motor including a rotary output operably connected to said cutting element;
said tines including end portions which are positioned outwardly of the cutting edge of the cutting element; and a pair of yieldable guide members, each said guide member extending between the end portions of a pair of said tines, said guide members being positioned to make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated article to be cut at a position outwardly of the cutting edge; and said yieldable members being yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit movement of the cutting edge relatively toward and into cutting engagement with said elongated article while contact is maintained between the guide members and the elongated article.
a yoke including a base and spaced-apart side portions, each said side portion including a pair of spaced-apart tines;
an axle extending between the side portions of the yoke, said axle having opposite end portions which are supported by the side portions of the yoke;
a rotary cutting element mounted on said axle and including a cutting edge;
a drive motor including a rotary output operably connected to said cutting element;
said tines including end portions which are positioned outwardly of the cutting edge of the cutting element; and a pair of yieldable guide members, each said guide member extending between the end portions of a pair of said tines, said guide members being positioned to make contact with spaced-apart portions of an elongated article to be cut at a position outwardly of the cutting edge; and said yieldable members being yieldable to an extent sufficient to permit movement of the cutting edge relatively toward and into cutting engagement with said elongated article while contact is maintained between the guide members and the elongated article.
10. The power cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein said cutting element is positionable relative to said yoke to provide an oblique cutting engagement between said cutting edge and said elongated article.
11. The power cutting tool according to claim 10, wherein each said end portion of said axle is supported by floating bearing, each said floating bearing being slidably situated in one of a pair of opposite transversely elongated slots formed in said opposite side portions of said yoke, said axle and said rotary cutting element mounted thereon being adjustably positionable relative to said yoke by slidably positioning said floating bearings long said elongated slots.
12. The power cutting tool according to claim 11, wherein said floating bearings each include a ball bushing having a bore through which one end portion of said axle extends, each said ball bushing being captured within a socket and each said socket being slidable along one of said transversely elongated slots.
13. The power cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein each said guide member includes a central portion which contacts said workpiece and bends to substantially conform to the shape of the workpiece, and further including end portions which extend outwardly from said central portion substantially toward said end portions of said tines.
14. The power cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein said drive motor includes a battery-powered electric motor.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2029513 CA2029513A1 (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1990-11-07 | Rotary cutter tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2029513 CA2029513A1 (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1990-11-07 | Rotary cutter tool |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2029513A1 true CA2029513A1 (en) | 1992-05-08 |
Family
ID=4146361
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2029513 Abandoned CA2029513A1 (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1990-11-07 | Rotary cutter tool |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2029513A1 (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-11-07 CA CA 2029513 patent/CA2029513A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |