CN114434398A

CN114434398A - Quick change assist handle for power tool

Info

Publication number: CN114434398A
Application number: CN202111253516.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: V·斯瓦米纳坦; D·耐克森; S·特纳; W·德拉姆; J·C·亚舒尔
Original assignee: Ingersoll Rand Industrial US Inc
Current assignee: Ingersoll Rand Industrial US Inc
Priority date: 2020-10-30
Filing date: 2021-10-27
Publication date: 2022-05-06
Also published as: EP3991920A1

Abstract

The power tool includes an adjustable auxiliary handle assembly that facilitates safe use of the tool by an operator while allowing the tool to be conveniently carried and stored when not in use. The adjustable auxiliary handle assembly includes an indexing mechanism including a corner connector, a slidable latch mechanism, and a handle base. The indexing mechanism allows the longitudinal handle to be rotated and locked in a position that is convenient and comfortable for the operator. The indexing mechanism is adjustable and can be operated with one hand (e.g., single handed). The latching mechanism holds the auxiliary handle position in place while allowing the power tool to be used for high torque/high load applications.

Description

Quick change assist handle for power tool

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is filed in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 120, 2019, 8, 27 entitled "tool with wireless switch", filed under the section of U.S. patent application serial No. 16/552,227. U.S. patent application serial No. 16/552,227 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Portable (hand-held) power tools include a variety of tools configured to be held by an operator during use, which tools are actuated by a power source, such as an electric or pneumatic motor. Portable power tools vary widely in size, torque and operating speed depending on the application in which they are used. Because they are handheld, portable power tools for high load/torque applications are often equipped with stability and/or safety features that are not typically used in power tools for low load/torque applications.

Drawings

The embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a power tool having an auxiliary handle assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the power tool with the auxiliary handle assembly shown in fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the power tool of FIG. 1 illustrating a first configuration of an auxiliary handle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the power tool of FIG. 1 illustrating a second configuration of the auxiliary handle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the power tool with the auxiliary handle assembly shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of an auxiliary handle assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary handle assembly shown in FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a slidable latch mechanism and handle base according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the slidable latch mechanism shown in fig. 8 engaging a handle base according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of an auxiliary handle assembly and a second switch of a printed circuit board according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a battery cover and a backup battery according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a slidable latch mechanism and handle base according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or procedural operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

SUMMARY

Portable power tools vary in size, torque and speed. Heavy duty power tools have an auxiliary handle that allows a user to better position, balance and control the often larger and heavier tool during use. The secondary or auxiliary handle also provides an additional safety measure for the operation of the power tool. The auxiliary handle is typically configured to provide a precaution measure to help prevent the user from experiencing accidental injury from the tool. For example, holding a high torque drill having an auxiliary handle in addition to a pistol grip may increase operator stability when a reaction force is acting on the tool. However, an auxiliary handle positioned to facilitate use of the tool may be uncomfortable or impractical to use in certain situations, or may result in the tool being unsuitable for carrying and/or storage when not in use.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a power tool having an adjustable auxiliary handle assembly that facilitates the use of the tool by an operator while allowing the tool to be conveniently carried and stored when not in use. In an embodiment, the adjustable auxiliary handle assembly includes an indexing mechanism including a corner connector, a slidable latch mechanism, and a handle base. The indexing mechanism allows the longitudinal handle to be rotated and locked in a position that is convenient and comfortable for the operator. The indexing mechanism is easy to adjust and can be operated with one hand (e.g., single handed). The latching mechanism holds the auxiliary handle position in place while allowing the power tool to be used for high torque/high load applications. In an embodiment, the adjustable auxiliary handle assembly includes a second switch configured to be used in conjunction with a main (trigger) switch of the tool. In such embodiments, the second switch is pressed in conjunction with (e.g., simultaneously with) the trigger switch of the power tool to ensure that the power tool operator is properly holding the power tool with both hands before the tool is to be operated.

Detailed description of example embodiments

Fig. 1-12 illustrate a power tool assembly 100 having an auxiliary handle assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool assembly 100 includes a portable hand-held power tool 102 having an auxiliary handle assembly 108 mounted thereto. The portable hand tool 102 includes a drive mechanism 104. In an embodiment, the drive mechanism 104 includes an electric motor (not shown) powered by a power source such as a removable battery (in the configuration shown), an internal battery, or an external power source through an electrical cord. However, it is contemplated that the portable handheld power tool 102 may also include a pneumatic tool having a drive mechanism 104 that employs a pneumatic (compressed air) motor powered by a compressed air source.

Portable handheld power tool 102 also includes a first handle 106 having a trigger switch 110. The first handle 106 is configured to allow an operator to hold the power tool 102 with one hand while operating (pressing and depressing) the trigger switch 110. The trigger switch 110 causes an electric motor (or a pneumatic motor) of the drive assembly 102 to be turned on and off (e.g., depressing the trigger switch 100 causes power to be applied to the electric motor to turn it on, while releasing the trigger switch 100 causes power to be removed from the electric motor to turn it off).

The portable handheld power tool 102 also includes a gear assembly coupled to the drive mechanism 104. The gear assembly includes a gear train that transfers torque (drive power) from the drive mechanism 104 to the work tool element 105 through the output drive 124. In some embodiments, the gear assembly may include a clutch mechanism that operates to prevent over-torquing of the work tool element 104 and the workpiece.

The output drive 124 transfers torque received from the drive mechanism 104 and gear assembly to the work tool element 105 so that torque may be applied to a workpiece (e.g., a nut, screw, bolt, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the work tool element 105 comprises a high torque nut runner. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the work tool element 105 need not be limited to the work tool element 105 shown, and that a variety of different elements that may require an auxiliary handle when in use may be used in conjunction with the drive mechanism 102 of the power tool assembly 100. For example, other work tool elements 105 suitable for use by the power tool 102 may include, but are not limited to, nut runner tools, impact wrenches, grinders, drill bits, combination hammers, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the portable handheld power tool 102 includes a housing 120 that supports and houses the drive mechanism 105 and gear assembly. The illustrated housing 120 is of a pistol grip design, wherein the first handle 106 comprises a pistol grip that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the output driver 124. As shown, the housing 120 includes a first handle 106 configured to be grasped by an operator when using the power tool assembly 100. For example, the first handle 106 may be used by an operator to pick up the power tool assembly 100, move it, and guide it onto a workpiece. The first handle 106 allows the operator to apply a force to hold the power tool assembly 100 against a workpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, first handle 106 includes a trigger switch 110 that turns on and off an electric motor within drive mechanism 102 to generate torque at output driver 124. The illustrated trigger switch 110 comprises a push button "trigger" switch configured to be depressed and released by an operator's index finger while holding the first handle 106. However, it is contemplated that the trigger switch 110 may include a hinged lever switch, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, and the like. The housing 120 also includes a gear box 122 that encloses the gear assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the gearbox has a generally cylindrical shape. However, in other embodiments, the gear box 122 may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, an irregular shape, or the like. Further, the shape of the gearbox may vary depending on the work tool element 104 used in the power tool assembly 100 and is not limiting of the present disclosure.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the power tool assembly 100 includes an auxiliary handle assembly 108. The auxiliary handle assembly 108 allows the operator to resist the torque output of the power tool assembly 100 during high torque operation. As shown more specifically in fig. 1-5, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 is coupled to the housing 120. Other configurations of the power tool assembly 100 may include an auxiliary handle assembly 108 coupled to the work tool element 104 rather than the housing 120.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 includes a strap 112, a handle base 130, a corner connector 114, and a longitudinal handle 116. The corner connector 114 is fixedly connected to an extended longitudinal handle 116. The handle mount 130 is rotatably connected to the corner connector 114 to support the longitudinal handle 116. The corner connector 114 is connected to an extended longitudinal handle 116 at an angle of about forty-five degrees (45) so that the longitudinal handle does not accidentally hit the work surface or the exterior of the housing 120. However, in embodiments, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 may be connected with the longitudinal handle 116 at an angle other than forty-five degrees (45 °).

Referring to fig. 7-9, the components of the auxiliary handle assembly 108 are described. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 includes a slidable latch mechanism 126 that is received by the corner connector 114. The slidable latch mechanism 126 includes a slide button 128 accessible on the corner connector 114 to actuate the slidable latch mechanism 126 to rotate the longitudinal handle 116.

In an embodiment, the slide latch mechanism 126 includes a bevel gear assembly including one or more helical teeth 138 extending from the slide latch mechanism 126 and engaging the notched receiver 132 received in the handle base 130. As shown, the notched receiver 132 includes a plurality of angled notches 140 formed therein that extend away from the notched receiver 132 and parallel to the rotational axis 134 of the longitudinal handle 116. In operation, the teeth 138 of the slidable latch mechanism 126 are rotatably secured by the notched receiver 132 via a plurality of notches 140 extending from the notched receiver 132. When the teeth 138 engage the notches 140 of the notched receiver 132, the handle mount 126 provides torque support for the longitudinal handle 116 to prevent rotation of the longitudinal handle 116.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7-9, the slidable latch mechanism comprises a bevel gear assembly including at least two opposing teeth 138 that retain the slidable latch mechanism 126 in engagement with the notched receiver 132. Having at least two opposing teeth 138 allows the longitudinal handle 116 to be rigidly held in a desired position relative to the handle base 126 without movement when the power tool assembly 100 is used in high torque applications.

However, in other embodiments, the power tool assembly 100 may be configured for use in relatively low reaction load applications. Fig. 12 illustrates an auxiliary handle assembly 108 for the power tool assembly 100 configured for use in low reaction load applications, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 may include a slidable latch mechanism 126 that includes a bevel gear assembly having a single helical tooth 144 that engages with the plurality of notches 140 of the notched receiver 132.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slidable latch mechanism 126 is biased toward the handle base 130 by a helical compression spring 134. When engaged with the notched receivers 132, the teeth 138 lock the position of the longitudinal handle 116 relative to the handle base 130. By activating the slide button 128 of the corner connector 114 (e.g., pressing and/or sliding the slide button upward away from the handle base 130 (and power tool 102 (fig. 1)), an operator may disengage the slidable latch mechanism 126 from the notched receiver 132 (i.e., disengage the teeth 114 from the notches 140) to allow the longitudinal handle 116 to be rotated, the longitudinal handle 116 may then be locked into a desired position by releasing the slide button 126 to allow the compression spring 134 to bias the slidable latch mechanism 126 into engagement with the notched receiver 132. A helical compression spring 134 is shown and described for biasing the slidable latch mechanism 126 into engagement with the notched receiver 132, but it is contemplated that, other biasing mechanisms may be used to bias the slidable latch mechanism 126 in the direction of the notched receiver 132 of the handle base 130.

In other embodiments, the power tool 100 may be configured for low reaction load applications. FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of a power tool 100 configured for use in low reaction load applications. As shown, the power tool 100 includes a slidable latch mechanism 126 that includes at least one tooth 144 that engages the plurality of notches 140 of the notched receiver 132.

Referring again to fig. 1-5, rotation of the longitudinal handle 116 of the auxiliary handle assembly 108 is described. In fig. 3, the longitudinal handle 116 is shown rotated to a position perpendicular to an axis extending through the length of the power tool assembly 100 and to the left relative to the longitudinal axis. In fig. 4, the longitudinal handle 116 is shown rotated to a position to the right relative to the longitudinal axis of the power tool assembly 100. As shown, the longitudinal handle 116 may be rotatable relative to the handle base 130 about an axis of rotation 134. Rotating the longitudinal handle 116 to both sides of the power tool assembly 100 allows left-handed and right-handed users to effectively hold the power tool assembly 100 in place while the tool is in operation.

As discussed herein above, the operator disengages the slidable latch mechanism 126 from the handle base 130 by: depressing and/or sliding the slide button 128 causes the slidable latch mechanism 126 to disengage from the notched receiver 140 within the handle base 130 and allows the longitudinal handle 116 to rotate about the axis of rotation 134, the axis of rotation 134 extending through the handle base 130 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the power tool assembly 100. In an embodiment, the longitudinal handle 116 may rotate a full three hundred sixty degree (360 °) arc about the axis of rotation 134. In an embodiment, the longitudinal handle 116 is indexable to a plurality of positions relative to the handle base 130. In this manner, the power tool assembly 100 may be made ambidextrous (i.e., comfortable for both right-handed and left-handed operators) because the longitudinal handle 116 may be repositioned according to operator/user preferences. The longitudinal handle 116 may also be rotated to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the power tool assembly 100 to facilitate carrying and/or storage of the power tool assembly 100.

In an embodiment, the angled notches 140 of the notched receiver 132 are equally spaced about the axis of rotation 134 to provide a recess for positioning the longitudinal handle 116. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the recesses are separated from each other (about the axis of rotation 134) by ninety degree (90 °) intervals (incidents) aligned with the direction of the plurality of notches 140 extending from the notched receiver 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, four notches 140 extending from the notched receiver 132 are arranged in quadrants separated by ninety degree (90) intervals. However, it is contemplated that the location and number of the plurality of notches 140 need not be limited to the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, the handle base 130 may have fewer notches or more notches and thus fewer or more positioning recesses than shown in FIG. 8. In such embodiments, adjacent notches can be separated by more than a ninety degree (90 °) interval or less than a ninety degree (90 °) interval relative to the number of notches 140. Further, in such embodiments, the longitudinal handle 116 is indexable to a plurality of positions relative to a plurality of notches 140 extending from the notched receptacle 132.

As shown in fig. 5, the strap 112 extends around the gear box 122 to secure the auxiliary handle assembly 108 to the housing 120 of the portable handheld power tool 102. The handle mount 130 is removably secured to the belt 112, which allows the auxiliary handle assembly 108 to rotate and be secured about the longitudinal axis of the power tool assembly 100. In an example embodiment, the band 112 includes a split clamp ring that is fastened to the front of the housing 120 with one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts). In some embodiments (not shown), the outer surface of the gear box 122 includes knurling to increase friction between the band 112 and the gear box 122 to secure the auxiliary handle assembly 108 in place relative to the housing 120.

Referring to fig. 6-7, an embodiment of the auxiliary handle assembly 108 is shown. The auxiliary handle assembly includes a longitudinal handle 116, a corner connector 114 including a sliding button 128, and a handle base 130. The orientation of the sliding button 128 relative to the longitudinal handle 116 is ergonomically designed to allow a user to actuate the button 128 with only his/her thumb while holding the longitudinal handle 116, resulting in one-handed operation. In addition, the plane of the button 128 is angled to prevent inadvertent actuation.

The auxiliary handle assembly 108 described in the present disclosure also accommodates various gear box sizes and thus may be adapted for use with power tools 102 having various work tool element sizes. In an embodiment, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 may rotate while being carried by the operator such that the power tool assembly 100 is balanced below the handle 108 with respect to the center of gravity of the power tool assembly. By reducing the longitudinal distance between the auxiliary handle assembly 108 and the center of gravity of the power tool assembly 100, the operator can maintain a balanced grip on the power tool assembly 100 without causing excessive pressure on the user's hand. For example, when the power tool assembly 100 is carried using the longitudinal handle 116, the longitudinal handle 116 may be configured to be positioned in general alignment with the housing 120 along the longitudinal axis of the power tool assembly 100, as shown in fig. 2 and 5, respectively. Further, for heavier work tool elements 104, as shown in fig. 2, the handle 116 may be oriented toward the front of the power tool assembly 100, bringing the user's hand closer to the center of gravity 158 of the power tool assembly 100. However, as shown in FIG. 5, for lighter gear cases or work tool components, the longitudinal handle 116 may be rotated toward the rear of the power tool assembly 100, bringing the user's hand closer to the center of gravity 160 of the lighter power tool assembly 100. In this manner, the weight of the power tool assembly 100 may be better distributed when carrying the power tool assembly 100 (e.g., when a workplace is moved from one location to another).

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 6, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 may include a second switch 136 that acts as an interlock to prevent undesired operation of the power tool 102. In operation, the electric motor within the drive assembly 102 is not turned on to provide output torque to the power tool 100 until both the trigger switch 110 and the second switch 136 are actuated simultaneously. Thus, to operate the tool, a user places one hand on each

handle

106 and 108 and simultaneously actuates both switches 110, 136 (e.g., causing both

switches

110, 136 to be actuated simultaneously, even though one switch may be actuated before the other) to turn on the power tool assembly 100. When the operator releases the trigger switch 110 or the second switch 136 or both

switches

110, 136, the trigger switch 110 and the second switch 136 may further turn off the electric motor within the drive assembly 102. Thus, during operation of the power tool assembly 100, the operator is allowed to hold both hands on the power tool assembly 100 to simultaneously depress both

switches

110 and 136. In embodiments, the second switch 136 may include a push button, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, a slide switch, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, the auxiliary handle assembly 108 includes a cavity 146, and a switch sensor circuit 148 is enclosed within the cavity 146. The cavity 146 may also house a battery 150 to provide power to the controller 148. For example, the cavity 146 may be configured to receive a button cell battery to minimize the size of components in the auxiliary handle assembly 108 while providing sufficient battery 150 life. However, other types of batteries may be used. A battery cover 152 configured to enclose the cavity 146 to facilitate replacement of the battery 150 is shown in fig. 11. As shown, the interior of the battery cover 152 may have a slot 154 configured to store a backup battery 156.

The switch sensor circuit 148 of the auxiliary handle assembly 126 is shown in fig. 10. In an embodiment, the switch sensor circuit 148 includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) supporting the control circuit and includes an antenna to send a wireless signal to a tool controller or monitoring system within the power tool 102 to indicate that the second switch 136 has been actuated. The electric (or pneumatic) motor is enabled when the trigger switch 110 is pressed and when the controller 148 sends a wireless signal to indicate that the second switch 136 has been actuated. In embodiments where the wireless signal from the auxiliary handle assembly 108 is received directly by the tool controller in the power tool 102, the transmission distance is short (e.g., less than one to two (1-2) feet). Thus, in such an arrangement, the power level of the wireless transmitter may be reduced to limit transmission distances to less than a very short distance (e.g., 10 feet or less). As shown, the antenna of the auxiliary handle assembly 108 is simply a conductive trace on the printed circuit board PCB of the switch sensor circuit 14, especially because of the very short transmission distance in direct communication with the tool controller.

It should be understood that the terms "operator" and "user" may be used interchangeably herein to describe any person using, operating, and/or transporting the power tool assembly 100.

Claims

1. A power tool assembly including an adjustable handle, comprising:

a drive mechanism for powering a work tool element;

a gear assembly connected with the driving mechanism;

a housing for supporting and retaining the drive mechanism and the gear assembly, the housing including a gear case for enclosing the gear assembly; and

a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising:

a longitudinal handle is arranged on the upper portion of the handle,

a corner connector fixedly connected to and extending from the longitudinal handle,

a slidable latch mechanism housed by the corner connector and including a button accessible on the corner connector to actuate the slidable latch mechanism, the slidable latch mechanism including at least two opposing teeth extending from the slidable latch mechanism,

a handle base for supporting a longitudinal handle, the longitudinal handle having an axis of rotation relative to the handle base, the handle base including a notched receiver configured to receive at least two opposing teeth of a slidable latch mechanism to rotationally fix the longitudinal handle in position relative to the handle base when the at least two opposing teeth engage with the notched receiver to index the longitudinal handle, the notched receiver including a notch extending to either side of the axis of rotation of the longitudinal handle to provide torque support to the longitudinal handle when the at least two opposing teeth engage with the notched receiver, and

a strap for connection to the handle base, the strap configured to extend around the gear case to securely secure the handle assembly to the housing of the power tool assembly.

2. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the notched receiver comprises a bevel gear.

3. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the slidable latch mechanism is biased toward the handle base.

4. The power tool assembly of claim 3, the slidable latch mechanism biased toward the handle base by a compression spring.

5. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal handle is indexable to a plurality of positions relative to the handle base.

6. The power tool assembly of claim 5, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of positions are separated from each other by at least about ninety degrees.

7. The power tool assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of positions includes at least two opposing positions that are at least substantially aligned with the housing.

8. An adjustable handle for a power tool assembly, the adjustable handle comprising:

a longitudinal handle;

a corner connector fixedly connected to and extending from the longitudinal handle;

a slidable latch mechanism housed by the corner connector, the slidable latch mechanism comprising:

a button accessible on the corner connector to actuate the slidable latch mechanism; and

at least one tooth extending from the slidable latch mechanism;

a handle base for supporting a longitudinal handle having an axis of rotation relative to the handle base, the handle base comprising:

a notched receiver configured to receive at least one tooth of the slidable latch mechanism to rotationally fix the longitudinal handle in position relative to the handle base when the at least one tooth engages the notched receiver to index the longitudinal handle, and

a notch located on the notched receiver and extending to either side of the rotational axis of the longitudinal handle to provide torque support to the longitudinal handle when the at least one tooth engages the notched receiver.

9. The adjustable handle of claim 8, further comprising a strap connected to the handle base, the strap configured to securely fasten the handle assembly to a housing of the power tool assembly.

10. The adjustable handle of claim 8, wherein the notched receiver comprises a bevel gear.

11. An adjustable handle according to claim 8 wherein the slidable latch mechanism is biased towards the handle base.

12. An adjustable handle according to claim 11 wherein the slidable latch mechanism is biased towards the handle base by a compression spring.

13. The adjustable handle according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal handle is indexable to a plurality of positions relative to the handle base.

14. The adjustable handle of claim 13, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of positions are separated from each other by at least about ninety degrees.

15. The adjustable handle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of positions includes at least two opposing positions that are at least substantially aligned with the housing.

16. An adjustable handle for a power tool assembly, the adjustable handle comprising:

a longitudinal handle;

at least two opposing teeth extending from the slidable latch mechanism;

a notched receiver configured to receive at least two opposing teeth of the slidable latch mechanism to rotationally fix the longitudinal handle in position relative to the handle base when the at least two opposing teeth engage the notched receiver to index the longitudinal handle, and

a notch located on the notched receiver and extending to either side of the axis of rotation of the longitudinal handle to provide torque support to the longitudinal handle when the at least two opposing teeth are engaged with the notched receiver, the longitudinal handle being indexable to a plurality of positions relative to the handle base, the plurality of positions including at least two opposing positions that are at least substantially aligned with the housing.

17. The adjustable handle of claim 16, wherein the notched receiver comprises a bevel gear.

18. An adjustable handle according to claim 16 wherein the slidable latch mechanism is biased towards the handle base.

19. An adjustable handle according to claim 18 wherein the slidable latch mechanism is biased towards the handle base by a compression spring.

20. The adjustable handle of claim 19, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of positions are separated from each other by at least about ninety degrees.