US3096798A

US3096798A - Electrical multipurpose shop tool

Info

Publication number: US3096798A
Application number: US34163A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence E Pugsley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1960-06-06
Filing date: 1960-06-06
Publication date: 1963-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 1980-07-09

Description

July 9, 1963 L. EQPUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet l l/AwQEA/cze E ueszg INVENTOR.

BY MS Arm/2M5 4 Mew-5,157.55; R0552? Lk'E/eM July 9, 1963 E. PUGSLEY ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 6, 1960 134 .ZAWQEA/CE 1 05.525

INVENTOR.

2215, M50; flasssu KER/K y 1963 L. E. PUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 LAWQEA/CE P0631. E

INVEN TOR.

July 9, 1963 L. E. PUGSLEY 3, ,7

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June a, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 J84 INVENTOR. .LAWREA/CE 15. P065413,

BY MS 4rram/eg5.

1122215, .lbea-g, 19055541. .K'EQM' July 9, 1963 E. PUGSLEY 3,096,798

ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Filed June 6. 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 K M m p s H V a m g L J a m I E 6 w M y R w w ,H M E f. K mau w mmm ll Q I ly lm United States Patent 3,096,798 ELECTRICAL MULTIPURPOSE SHOP TOOL Lawrence E. Pugsley, Box 656, RR. 1, Escondido, Calif. Filed June 6, 1960, Ser. No. 34,163 25 Claims. (Cl'. 144-1) The present invention relates generally to the power tool art and more particularly to a novel multipurpose power tool of the type which may be used as a hand or bench power tool in a home workshop.

Briefly stated, the device includes a basic unit containing front and rear plate members positioned in parallel spaced relationship and having an electrically operated power unit with rotatable work-tool supporting means mounted on the rear plate member for transverse movement toward and away from the front plate member. The latter member is provided with a relatively large work-tool passageway adjacent the center thereof and a number of rod-receiving apertures adjacent the work tool passageway, the apertures having clamping means asso- :ciated therewith for maintaining the rods inserted therein in predetermined position relative to the plate member. When a drill bit is mounted in the work-tool supporting means, the :device is usable as a hand power drill. However, the main utility of the present invention resides in the use of several simple auxiliary members with the basic unit, either singly or in combination, whereby the assembled unit can function as one of many different types of hand and bench-type power tools. These auxiliairy members include a vise member with guide rods which extend into the apertures; a table which can be removably clamped to either the basic unit or to the vise member; and a rip fence which can be used with the basic unit, with the vise member, and with the table.

As is well known in the industry, there is a relatively large and consistent demand for woodworking power tools which can be used in the home workshop by amateur carpenters, cabinet makers and hobbyists. Unfortunately, at the present time the main deterrent to a more widespread usage and sale of home workshop power tools is the fact that many different types of tools or pieces of equipment are required to provide an adequately equipped shop, and the total cost of the plurality of individual tools or pieces of equipment is more than many persons can pay or are wiling to pay. Another disadvantage occasioned by the use of a plurality of such tools is that they occupy a relatively large area or workspace, and many homes do not contain the necessary space to accommodate them.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novel multipurpose power tool which will perform the functions of a large number of individual hand and bench-type power tools now used in the conventional amateurs woodworking shop. More particularly, it is an object to provide such a multipurpose power tool which can be used as a drill press a hand power saw, a table saw, a saber saw, a jigsaw, a router, a bench grinder and sander-and in numerous other capacities. More particularly, it is an object to provide a device which includes a single power source and a stand or support therefor, and several simple attachments which can be used therewith so that the assembled unit can be used to perform the woodworking functions of a vast array of presently known power tools.

Another object is to provide a novel multipurpose power tool which is relatively simple in design but of rugged and dependable construction. More particularly, it is an object to provide such a device which is so rugged and strong that it will have a relatively long life expectancy with a minimum'amount of maintenance and which is simple in design and operation whereby amateur craftsmen 3,096,798 Patented July 9, 1963 can easily and quickly convert the device from one type of tool to another.

A further object is to provide a novel power member with a work-tool holder and a support therefor whereby the position of the work-tool holder can be easily and quickly adjusted both axially and laterally relative to the support. More particularly, it is an object to provide such power member and support therefor whereby the power member and its work-tool holder can be moved axially of the supporting housing or stand as in drilling operations, and can also be adjusted in a lateral direction as when a saw blade or the like is mounted in the worktool holder.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power unit and its supporting sleeve member shown in spaced-apart relationship;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (on a reduced scale) of an alternative power unit and supporting sleeve construction;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view, partially in cross section, showing a power unit mounted in its supporting sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the detent mounted in the wall of the power unit as shown in the right-hand side of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned for use in drilling holes in a vertical surface;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device positioned for use as a drill press;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned for use in drilling a series of laterally spaced holes in an elongated workpiece;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned for use as a table saw;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 1010 in FIG. 9';

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken on the line 1111 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device assembled for use as a hand drill so that it may be used in drilling a series of holes a predetermined distance from the edge of a large workpiece;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the device assembled and positioned for use as a saber saw with an adjustable stop for ripping a strip of predetermined width from an elongated workpiece;

7 FIG. 14- is a front elevational view taken on the line 1414 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned for use as a grinder or sander; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device assembled and positioned for use as a router.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 20 indicates a power unit adapted to be supported in a framework 22 which includes a mounting sleeve 24. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the power unit 20 includes a cylindrical housing 26 which has a handle assembly 28 fastened to one end thereof, said assembly containing a handle 30 provided with a switch button 32 and diametrically opposed recessed male electrical sockets 34. Mounted within the housing 26 is an electrical motor 36 with a splined shaft 38 which drives a high-speed internally threaded socket 40 and a lowspeed internally threaded socket 42 through

gears

44, 46 and 48, said sockets being adapted to receive a conventional J acobs chuck 50. A plate 52 covers the operating end of the powerunit and is fastened to the housing 26 by long screws 54 which are threaded into a partition wall 56.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 26 is provided with diametrically opposed ball-like detents 58 (FIGS. 4 and for use in positioning the power unit 20 in the supporting sleeve 24. Turning briefly to a consideration of the sleeve 24 as shown in FIG. 1, one end thereof is provided with diametrically opposed mounting tabs 60 which contain screw-receiving apertures 62 and the other end is formed or cut on the bias as at 64 so that the power unit 20 can be more easily inserted therein, as will be described more fully hereinafter. Adjacent the end of the sleeve whidh contains the tabs 69 is an inner annular groove 66 which communicates with longitudinally extending grooves 68 which are parallel with the axis of the sleeve 24 and which terminate at the edge 64. It will be apparent that when the power unit 20 is inserted in the sleeve 24 the detents 53 are first positioned in the longitudinally extending grooves 68 and, if the power unit 20 is inserted far enough into the sleeve, the detents will pass into and be restrained by the annular groove 66. Thus, the longitudinal grooves 68 guide the movement of the power unit in the axial direction, and, when the detents 58 are positioned in the annular groove 66, the power unit 20 can be rotated to vary the position of the

sockets

40 and 42 relative to any fixed point on the periphery of the sleeve 24, for a purpose to appear. Thumb screws 70 extend through the wall of the sleeve 24 for holding engagement with the housing 26 to maintain the power unit 20 in adjusted position relative to the sleeve 24.

As shown in FIG. 2, the same result can be achieved by using a sleeve which contains detents 72 and a power unit which has an annular groove 74 and two longitudinally extending grooves 76 formed in the outer surface of the housing.

Turning to a consideration of the supporting framework 22 (FIG. 6), it includes a front plate member 78 and a rear plate member 80 which are perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 24 and are maintained in parallel spaced-apart relationship by

opposed side panels

81 and 82. Obviously, other types of members other than the

panels

81 and 82 could be used for the purpose of supporting the plate members in spaced relationship, as for example tubular members or the like. For convenience of description, the edges of the plate members upon which. the device is resting as shown in FIG. 6 will be referred to hereinafter as the bottom edges and the sides opposite thereto will be referred to as the top edges.

Referring to the rear plate member 80, it is provided with a large opening at the center thereof which receives the sleeve 24, the latter being secured to the inner face of the plate member by screws 84 (FIG. 8) which pass through the screw-receiving openings 62 in the mounting tabs 60. Two upper apertures 86 are located in the rear plate member 80 adjacent the top edge thereof and associated therewith are tubular sockets 88 Which are fastened to the plate so as to extend toward the front plate member, the tubular sockets being provided with thumb screws 90 for a purpose to appear. Similar lower apertures (not shown) and associated tubular sockets 94 with thumb screws 96 are provided adjacent the bottom edge of the rear plate member 80 (FIG. 8). An elongated hand slot 98 is also contained in the rear plate member 80 adjacent the bottom edge thereof.

The front plate member 78 contains a large circular work-tool receiving opening 100 adjacent the center thereof in axial alignment with the power unit 20, and a similar hand slot 102 adjacent the bottom edge thereof. The front plate member is also provided with two upper apertures 104 adjacent the top edge thereof with associated tubular sockets 106 which extend inwardly and which contain thumb screws 108. In like manner, there are two apertures 110 (FIG. 9) adjacent the bottom edge of the front plate member which have tubular sockets 112 and thumb screws 114 (FIG. 6) associated therewith. Two tapped holes 115 (FIG. 8) are provided adjacent the lower edge of the large circular opening 100 for use in supporting a saber saw as will be described more fully hereinafter. The outer face of the front plate member 78 contains a vertically extending V-sh-aped groove 116 which bisects the circular opening 100. Formed in the left-hand edge of the front plate member are an upper pin-receiving recess 118 and a lower pin-receiving recess 120, and formed in the right-hand edge thereof area similarly placed upper pin-receiving recess 122 and a lower pin-receiving recess 124 (FIG. 15). The left-hand edge of the front plate member also contains an internally threaded recess 126 immediately below the upper pin-receiving recess 118 for use in adjusting the position of a table member relative to the supporting framework, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

As shown in a number of the figures, including FIGS. 6 and 7, the device may include a vise member 128 which comprises a square vise plate 130 having a large circular opening 132 adjacent the center thereof and a hand slot 134 adjacent what can be considered to be the bottom edge as shown in FIG. 6. A vertically extending V-shaped groove 136 is formed in the inner face of the vise plate 130 so as to bisect the vise plate and the circular opening 132. Formed in the side edges of the vise plate adjacent the top thereof are opposed pin-receiving

recesses

138 and 140, and below the recess 140 is an internally threaded recess 142 similar to the recess 126 previously described. Two

guide rods

144 and 146 are fastened to the inner face of the vise plate 13!) adjacent the top edge thereof so as to extend perpendicularly from the plate in a parallel relationship, the guide rods being spaced-apart a distance equal to the spacing be tween the tubular sockets 106 and between the tubular sockets 112 previously described. It is preferable to have the guide rods of unequal length whereby it is easier to insert them in each set of sockets as will be apparent when the assembly of the unit is discussed hereinafter.

Turning to a consideration of the operation of the device, if it is desired to drill holes which are absolutely normal to a flat surface such as a wall or table top, the vise member 128 may be used with the framework 122 or it may be omitted, depending upon the length of the drill bit which is to be used in the Iacobs chuck 50. As indicated hereinabove, the chuck 50 may be threaded either in the high-speed socket 40 or in the low-speed socket 42 depending on the type of material in which the holes are to be drilled. Assuming that a relatively short drill bit is to be used, the vise member 128 would not be required and only the power unit 20 and the framework 22 would be used. Thus, the chuck end of the power unit 20 would be positioned on the projecting lip of the edge 64 of the sleeve 24 and the detents 58 guided into the longitudinally extending grooves 68. The front plate member 78 would then be positioned against the surface to be drilled and the power unit 20 moved axially of the sleeve 24 by means of the handle 30. It should be noted that the framework can be supported by means of the hand slot 98 and that the switch button 32 is in the handle so that the unit is designed for one-man operation. Because the grooves 76 are parallel with the axis of the sleeve 24 and the front plate member 78 is perpendicular to the aforementioned axis, the hole which is drilled will also be perpendicular to the front plate member 78 and the surface against which it is positioned.

If a long drill bit were used so that it would project beyond the front plate member '78 when the power unit 20 is moved to its most rearward position relative to the sleeve 24, the vise member 128 should be used as an extension. Thus, the vise member 128 would be used in the manner shown in FIG. 6 in which the

guide rods

144 and 146 are inserted through the upper apertures 104 and into the tubular sockets 106. Because one guide rod is longer than the other, it is only necessary to insert one at a time in each aperture thereby facilitating the assembling of the unit. After the guide rods have been inserted into the sockets 106 the proper distance, the thumb screws 108 are tightened so as to lock the vise member 128 in position with the vise plate 130 parallel with the front plate member 78. Consequently, when the vise plate 130 is held against a fiat surface and the power unit 20 is moved axially of the sleeve 24 in the manner previously described, the bit will drill a 'hole in the workpiece which is perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece and the vise plate 130. FIG. 6 shows the device in position to drill a hole in a vertical surface and FIG. 7 shows the device in position to drill a hole in a horizontal surface. In addition, the assembly shown in FIG. 7 can be used for drilling holes in workpieces which are fastened to the assembly; in short, the member 128 can be used as one jaw of a vise. Thus, assuming that it is desired to drill a hole in a cylindrical wooden workpiece such as a dowel rod (not shown), the rod would be positioned in the V-shaped groove 136 and the thumb screws 108 loosened to permit the front plate member 178 to be lowered until the V-shaped groove 116 thereof engaged the upper surface of the rod. The thumb screws 188 would then be tightened so as to hold the rod securely between the vise plate 130 and the front plate member 78 while the power unit 20 is moved in the sleeve 24 in the manner previously described so as to drill a hole through the cylindrical workpiece.

As shown in FIG. 8, the vise member 128 can also be used with the framework 22 for drilling holes in an elongated member, as for example a flat board such as a 1" x 6" (not shown). In this operation, the vise member 128 is turned around from the position shown in FIG. 6 so that the

guide rods

144 and 146 are inserted through the

lower apertures

110 and 112 and 94, the thumb screws 114 and 96 being loosened so that the vise member 128 is free to move relative to the front plate member 78. A rip fence 148 is then mounted on the vise plate 130 in the proper vertical position relative to the drill bit supported in the chuck 50. The rip fence 148 contains a guide member which is of V-sh-aped cross section with a continuous leg portion 150 and a leg portion 152 which contains two elongated parallel slots 154. A fixed jaw member 156 is fastened to one end of the leg portion 152 and an adjustable jaw member 158 is mounted in the slots 154 whereby the rip fence can be clamped to a table or to the vise plate 138 as shown in FIG. 8. After the rip fence 148 has been secured in the proper position, the board to be drilled can be supported on the leg portion 150 with one face thereof held against the inner face of the vise plate 138. Consequently, when the vise member 128 and the rip fence 148 are moved toward the bit and the power unit 20 (the latter being held in fixed position by means of the thumb screws 70), a hole will be drilled in the board. The vise member 128 and the board can then be backed away from the bit and the board moved along the leg portion 150 to the position where another hole is to be drilled. In this manner, a series of aligned holes can be drilled in a board, each hole being the same distance from the lower edge of the board which was supported on the rip fence 148. As shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to fasten the supporting frame work 22 to a table or the like during the drilling operation as by means of a C-clamp 160 or the like. It will also be obvious that the vise member 128 could be fixed in position relative to the framework 22 as by tightening the thumb screws 114 and 96, and the thumb screws 70 loosened so that the power unit 20 would be free to be moved axially of the sleeve 24.

If it is desired to use the device as a table saw (FIG. 9), the vise member 128 and the drill bit are removed and a shaft and saw blade assembly 162 are mounted in the chuck S0 with the saw blade exterior of the framework 22. In this operation, the power unit 20 is moved into the sleeve 24 until the detents 58 are positioned in the annular groove 66 whereby the power unit can be rotated in the sleeve to raise and lower the saw blade as will be described more fully hereinafter. In order to support the workpiece relative to the saw blade at table 164 is provided, the table being mounted on the upper portion of the supporting framework 22 so that it can be tilted relative thereto and locked in selected tilted position. Thus, the table 164 has a rectangular top portion 166 with depending flange-like edge portions 168 formed integral therewith. Formed in the top portion adjacent the center thereof is a saw slot 170 and adjacent thereto is a router opening 172. Adjacent one edge of the top portion is a groove 174 for receiving the guide bar of a conventional mitre gage (not shown). As shown in FIG. 11, a semicircular protractor-like plate 176 is fastened to the under side of the top portion 166 by means of spaced clips 178 so as to depend therefrom inwardly of one of these edge portions 168. A pin 180 is mounted adjacent the upper edge of the plate 176 so as to extend into the pin-receiving recess 118. Adjacent the lower edge of the plate is an arcuate slot 182 which receives a threaded thumb screw 184 which extends into the threaded recess 126. A retaining Washer 186 (FIG. 10) prevents the screw from falling out of the slot 182 when the table is not in use. If desired, the arcuate edge of the plate 176 can be provided with an angular scale 188 and an arrow 190 or other type of datum line can be marked on the framework 22 below the plate. Also fastened to the under side of the top portion 166 in alignment with the pin 180 is a tubular housing 192 (FIG. 10) which contains a slot provided with an inoperative notch 194 and an operative notch 196. Mounted in the housing 192 is a coiled spring 198 which bears against one end of a latch bolt 200 which has a reduced end 202 positioned in the pin-receiving recess 122. The bolt 200 is provided with a handle 204 whereby it can be moved into engagement with either of the aforementioned notches. Thus, it will be apparent that in order to use the device as a bench saw, it is merely necessary to position the shaft and saw blade assembly 162 in the chuck 50 (as previously mentioned) and fasten the table 164 in a horizontal or tilted position, as desired. The last-mentioned step can be easily and quickly accomplished by moving the latch bolt 200 to the inoperative position with the handle in the notch 194, engaging the pin 180 in the recess 118, aligning the bolt 200 with the recess 122 and releasing the handle 204 from the notch 194 to cause the reduced end 202 to be moved into the recess 122 by the action of the spring 198. The handle is then moved into the operative notch 196, thereby locking the table in position on the framework 22. Thereafter, the thumb screw 184 is engaged in the recess 126, and after the table is pivoted or tilted to the desired angular position, the thumb screw 184 can be tightened to lock the plate 176 against the side panel 81. As shown in FIG. 9, the same rip fence 148 can also be used with the table 164 when the device is being used as a table saw.

As mentioned hereinabove, the vertical position of the saw blade relative to the table 164 (and therefore the depth of cut) can be varied by merely rotating the power unit 20 within the sleeve 24 with the detents 58 positioned in the annular groove 66. Thus, by referring to FIG. 4 and assuming that the saw blade is supported in the lowspeed chuck, the blade will be at its lowermost position when the power unit 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 4. When the power unit 20 is rotated 90 in either direction, the saw blade will be raised one half of its travel and when it is rotated the full 180 the blade will have been raised a distance equal to the spacing between the centers of the low-speed and the high-

speed sockets

42 and 40, respectively. Obviously, the power unit 20 and therefore the saw blade can be locked in any selected position by means of the thumb screws 71) which engage the housing 26.

If desired, a second latch bolt assembly and associated pin 286 (only the pin 266 being shown as in FIGS. 9 and can be mounted on the table 164 for use when the device is employed as a router as will be described more fully when the assembly shown in FIG. 16 is discussed.

The device can also be used as a hand power tool for drilling holes a predetermined distance from the edge of a door or other flat surface by employing the rip fence 148 in the manner shown in FIG. 12. Thus, with the power unit 28 positioned in the sleeve 24 so that the detents 58 ride in the longitudinally extending grooves 68, the rip fence 148 can be fastened to the outer surface of the front plate member 78 a predetermined distance from the drill bit which obviously can be held in either the high-speed or low-speed chuck position. If desired, graduations 208 can be marked on the outer face of the plate members 78 so that the rip fence 148 can be quickly clamped in the proper position relative to the drill bit without measuring the distance between the fence and the bit. After the unit has been assembled as described, the outer face of the plate member 78 can be positioned against the surface to be drilled with the leg portion 158 of the rip fence in engagement with the edge of the door or the like being worked upon. The power unit 28 can then be energized, and by moving the power unit 20' in the sleeve 24 the first hole can be drilled in the workpiece. The power unit 20 is then backed off, the framework 22 moved along the surface with the rip fence 148 in contact with the edge thereof, and another hole easily and quickly drilled in the workpiece the same distance from the edge as the first hole.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the device can also be used as a hand power saw, either with or without a guide member, by merely turning the framework 22 so that it rests on the top edges of the front and rear plate members. Thus, the saw blade assembly previously described can be replaced with a conventional saber saw unit 210 which includes a drive shaft 212 fastened in the chuck 58, a housing 214 fastened to the outer surface of the front plate 78 in a manner to be described, and a saw blade 216 which projects from the housing. The housing 214 contains transversely projecting ears 218 which are provided with openings for receiving machine screws 228 which extend into the tapped holes 115 thereby securely fastening the saw unit 218 to the supporting framework. It will be readily apparent that with the power unit 2% locked in position by means of the thumb screws 70, the unit can be grasped by means of the hand slot 182 and the handle 38 and the saw blade 216 used for ripping a board as shown in F1G. 13. If it is desired to use a guide to accurately control the width of the strip being ripped from the board, the vise member 128 can be employed for this purpose by inserting the

guide rods

144 and 146 in the apertures 184 with the vise plate 130' extending in the same direction as the saw blade 216. In this manner the

guide rods

144 and 146 can be clamped in any desired position by means of the thumb screws 114 whereby the saw blade 216 can be guided a predetermined distance from the edge of the board.

It will also be apparent from the previous description of the table saw assembly (FIG. 9) that the table 164 can also be used with the saber saw unit 21%) whereby the device can be used as a table-type jigsaw with the saw blade 216 extending upwardly through the saw slot 170 (not shown because of similarity to other views).

If it is desired to have a sander or grinder, the various units can be arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 15 wherein the work tool is a grinding wheel or sander disc assembly 222 which includes -a shaft gripped by the chuck 50 previously described. In this arrangement the framework 22 is positioned adjacent the edge of a flat surface such as a work bench or table and the vise member 128 has its guide rods 144 and'146 inserted in the apertures 1111 contained in the front plate member 178 so that the vise plate projects downwardly below the edge of the work bench. This places the pin-receiving

recesses

138 and 140 and the threaded recess 142 adjacent the uppermost edge of the vise plate. Thereafter, the table 164 is positioned on the vise plate 130 with the pin 180 thereof positioned in the recess 140, (the end 202 of the latch bolt 200 positioned in the recess 138 (the handle 284 of the bolt being moved into the looking or operative notch 1%) and the thumb screw 184 threaded into the recess 142. The table 164 is then leveled by means of the graduated semicircular plate 176 and the thumb screw 148 tightened to lock the table 164 in position. Thereafter, the table 164 and the vise member 128 are moved inwardly toward the framework 22 with the

guide rods

144 and 146 sliding in the sockets 112 until the end of the table 164 abuts the outer face of the front plate member 78. The thumb screws 114 are then tightened, thereby locking the unit in assembled position. As previously mentioned, the power unit 28' would normally be locked in position in the sleeve 24 by means of the thumb screws 711 Yet another arrangement of the various components is shown in FIG. 16 wherein the device is used as a router, a routing tool 224 being fastened in the chuck 58 in the same manner as the other work tools previously described. As the first step in assembling the device as a router, the vise member 128 is positioned on a fiat surface such as the top of a work bench, with the

guide rods

144 and 146 extending upwardly. The framework 22 (with the power unit 20 locked in position in the sleeve 24 and without the outer tool 224 afiixed) is then positioned on the

guide rods

144 and 146 whereby the latter extend through the apertures 36 in the rear plate member 81) and into the sockets 88. With the handle 30 bearing on the inner face of the vise plate 138 the thumb screws 9%) are tightened so as to lock the unit in assembled position with the chuck 51) extending vertically upwardly. The table 164 previously described is then positioned on the front plate member with the pin 181) in the recess 118 and the reduced end 2112 of the latch bolt 288 in the recess 122. In this assembly another tapped opening can be provided adjacent the opening 126 in the side panel 81 for receiving the thumb screw 184 so as to be used in locking the table 164 in a horizontal position, or, a second pin and latch bolt assembly can be used. If the latter type of construction is employed, the pin 286 (similar to the pin 181)) is positioned in the recess and the end of the second latch bolt (not shown) is positioned in the recess 124. Thus, the table 164 can be securely fastened to the end of :the framework 22 without any possibility of the table being tilted or tipped during the routing operation. With the table in position, the router tool 224 is inserted through [the opening 172 and into holding engagement with the chuck 58. As shown in FIG. 16, the rip fence 148 can also be used with this arrangement.

It will be obvious from the above description that the framework 22, the table 164, and the vise member 128 can be used together in other combinations and with other cutting and forming tools so as .to provide other types of hand and bench power tools which may be used in a home workshop. By way of illustration of -a further adaptation, the assembly can be used for quickly drilling holes in a predetermined position in the edge surface of a fiat member such as a door or the like. Thus, assuming that it is desired to drill a series of vertically spaced holes in the exact center of the edge surface of a hung door or a number of doors, the vise member 128 (FIG. 6) would be removed from the framework 22 and two short guide rods (not shown) inserted in diagonally positioned

tubular sockets

106 and 112 and locked in position therein so as .to project from the outer face of the front plate member 78. The assembly would then be positioned adjacent the edge of the door with the short guide rods on opposite sides thereof and the framework rotated to bring the guide rods into engagement with the opposed surfaces of the door. The power unit 26 would then be rotated in its sleeve 24 until the drill bit was in alignment with the center of the door edge, and the thumb screws 70 were tightened to lock the unit in position. Thereafter, in order to drill other holes in the center of the edge surface of the same door or other doors of similar width, it is only necessary to fork the short guide rods on the door edge, rotate the assembly to bring the rods into engagement with the faces of the door, and move the assembly toward the edge until the proper depth hole has been drilled.

Consequently, it is apparent that there has been provided a novel multipurpose power tool which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. The device is relatively simple in design and contains only a few components; yet the various components can be easily and quickly assembled together in various arrangements to provide a wide range of hand and bench-type power tools. Because the components are relatively few in number, a device of this type is relatively inexpensive. Also, because there is only one power unit and its supporting framework, the device requires very little storage space or working space. Therefore, it is ideally suited for the small home-type workshop and for use by the amateur woodworker or cabinetrnaker. However, the device is sufficiently rugged and versatile so that it can be advantageously employed by the professional craftsman as well.

1t is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

1 claim:

1. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in operative position; an electrically operated power unit containing a shaft with rotatable work-tool supporting means supported on the rear frame member for axial movement towand and away from the front plate member, the axis of said shaft being substantially'parallel with the aforementioned common plane whereby the same is substantially parallel with the flat surface on which the tool may be positioned; a work-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means; and means on said front plate member for sup porting workpiece-engaging means whereby a workpiece engaged thereby is in operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

2. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a fiat surface in operative position; an electrically operated power unit containing a shaft with rotatable work-tool supporting means supported on the rear frame member for axial movement toward and away from the front plate member, the axis of said shaft being substantially parallel with the aforemen tioned common plane whereby the same is substantially parallel with the flat surface on which the tool may be positioned; a work-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means; and workpiece-engaging means removably and adjustably mounted on said front plate member for supporting a workpiece in operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

3. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in operative position; a cylindrical electrically operated power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means adjacent one end thereof supported on the rear frame member for rotational movement relative thereto and for movement toward and away from the front plate member, said power unit being rotatable through substantially 360 degrees relative to its support, said work-tool supporting means being offset from the center of the power unit; means for maintaining the power unit in selected rotational position relative to its support and in selected position relative to the front plate member; a work-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means; and means on said front member for supporting a plurality of separate workpieceengaging means whereby a workpiece engaged thereby is in operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

4. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spaced-apart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in operative position; a tubular sleeve supported on the rear frame member; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means adjacent one end thereof mounted in the sleeve for longitudinal and rotational movement relative thereto, said rotational movement being through substantially 360 degrees, the worktool supporting means being offset from the axis of the sleeve; means for maintaining the power unit in selected rotational and transverse positions relative to the sleeve; a work-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means; and means on said front plate member for supporting workpiece-engaging means whereby a workpiece engaged thereby is in operative relationship with the work-t0ol supporting means.

5. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spacedapart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in operative position; a cylindrical sleeve having a front end and a rear end supported on the rear frame member; an internal annular groove in the sleeve adjacent the front end thereof and at least one internal longitudinal groove extending from said annular groove to the rear end of the sleeve; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means at one end thereof supported in the sleeve, said power unit in cluding a cylindrical housing provided with projecting detent means received in said grooves whereby the power unit has controlled longitudinal movement and rotational movement through 360 degrees relative to the sleeve, the work-tool supporting means being offset from the axis of said housing; means for maintaining the power unit in selected position relative to the sleeve; and a work-tool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means.

6. A multipurpose power tool comprising: front plate and rear frame members positioned in fixed, spacedapart relationship providing at least three points in a common plane for supporting the tool on a fiat surface in operative position; a tubular supporting sleeve having a cylindrical inner wall supported on the rear frame member; detent means projecting inwardly from said inner wall; an electrically operated power unit containing a cylindrical housing having a front end and a rear end, the power unit having rotatable work-tool supporting means adjacent the front end thereof offset from the axis of the housing; an external annular groove in the housing adjacent the rear and thereof and at least one external longitudinal groove therein extending from the annular groove to the front end of the housing, said grooves receiving the detent means whereby the power unit has controlled longitudinal and rotational movement through 1 1 360 degrees relative to the supporting sleeve; and a worktool passageway in the front plate member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means.

7. A multipurpose power tool comprising: a framework containing front and rear members in fixed, spacedapart relationship, the front member including top and bottom edges in substantially parallel relationship, said top edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apart points in a first common plane for supporting the tool on a fiat surface in a first operative position, said bottom edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apart points in a second common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in a second operative position; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means supported on the rear member for controlled movement toward and away from the front member; a work-tool passageway in the front member in alignment with the work-tool supporting means; and means on said front member adjacent the top and bottom edges thereof for supporting a plurality of different workpiece-engaging means whereby a workpiece engaged thereby is inoperative relationship with the worktool supporting means.

8. A multipurpose power tool comprising: a framework containing front and rear members in fixed, spacedapart relationship, the front member including top and bottom edges in substantially parallel relationship, said top edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apart points in a first common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in a first operative position, said bottom edge and the rear member providing at least three spaced-apart points in a second common plane for supporting the tool on a flat surface in a second operative position; an electrically operated power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means supported on the rear member for controlled movement toward and away from the front member; a Work tool passageway in the front member in alignment with the Worktool supporting means; and workpiece-engaging means removably and adjustably mounted on said front member adjacent one edge thereof for supporting a workpiece in operative relationship with the work-tool supporting means.

9. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 1 in which the means for supporting the workpiece-engaging means includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures for receiving rods with workpiece-engaging means; and selectively operable retaining means associated with the apertures for maintaining the rods received therein in predetermined position relative to the front plate member.

10. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 7 in which the means for supporting the workpiece-engaging means includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures for receiving rods with workpiece-engaging means; and selectively operable retaining means for maintaining the rods received therein in predeterminedposition relative to the front member.

11. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in which the'f'ront plate member contains rod-receiving apertures and the workpiece-engaging means comprises: a vise member containing a vise plate provided with a work-tool receiving opening, and a plurality of guide rods extending from the vise plate and into the rod-receiving apertures in the front plate member.

12. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in which the front plate member contains rod-receiving apertures and the workpiece-engaging means comprises: a vise member containing a vise plate with opposed edges provided with a work-tool receiving opening; a plurality of guide rods extending from the vise plate and into the rod-receiving apertures in the front plate member; and Work-supporting means mounted on the vise member.

13. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 12 in which the Work-supporting means comprises: a fence of L-shaped cross section having a base portion and a side portion formed integral therewith; a stationary jaw element fastened to one end of said base portion for holding engagement with one of said edges of the vise plate; and a movable jaw element adjustably mounted adjacent the other end of said base portion for holding engagement with another of said edges of the vise plate, whereby the side portion of the rip fence projects from the vise plate in work-supporting position.

14. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 in which the workpiece-engaging means comprises a table mounted on the front plate member, and saw means are positioned adjacent the outer face of the front plate member and operatively connected to the work-tool supporting means.

15. A multipurpose power tool comprising in combination: a framework containing front and rear end members in spaced-apart relationship, the front member having a top edge and opposed side edge portions, said front and rear end members supporting the framework on a fiat surface in an operative position; an elongated electrically operated power unit having a front end and a rear end mounted on the rear end member for transverse movement relative thereto and toward and away from the front end member, the front end of the power unit containing rotatable work-tool supporting means and the rear end thereof being provided with a handle; a work-tool passageway in the front end member in alignment with the tool-supporting means; opposed pin-receiving recesses provided in the side edge portions of the front member adjacent the top edge thereof; a work table pivotally and removably mounted on the front end member, said work table containing a fixed pin positioned in one of said pinreceiving recesses and a movable pin removably positioned in the other of said recesses; and means for maintaining the work table in selected pivoted position relative to the framework.

16. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 15 in which the movable pin is contained on the end of a latch bolt which is slidably positioned in a housing fastened to the table.

17. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 15 in which the power unit is also rotatable relative to the rear end member and the work-tool supporting means is offset from the axis of rotation of said power unit so that the distance between the table and the work-toolsupporting means is varied by rotating the unit relative to the rear end member.

18. A multipurpose power tool'as set forth in claim 15 which includes means for maintaining the power unit in selected position relative to the rear end member.

19. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 2 including a saber saw assembly mounted on the outer face of the front end member adjacent the work-tool pass-ageway, said assembly containing a drive shaft connected to the work-tool supporting means; and in which tool the front plate member contains rod-receiving apertures and the workpiece-engaging means comprises a vise member containing a vise plate having a plurality of guide rods extending therefrom and into the rod-receiving apertures in the front plate member for maintaining a workpiece in predetermined cutting position relative to said saber saw assembly.

20. A multipurpose power tool comprising in cornlaination: a framework containing front and rear end members in spacedaapa-rt relationship, the front end member having an outer face and said end members together supporting the framework on a flat surface in an operative position, an elongated electrically operated power unit having a front end and a rear end mounted on the rear end member, the front end of the unit containing worktool supporting means; a Work-tool passageway in the front end member in alignment with the tool-supporting means; a plurality of rod-receiving apertures in the fnont end member adjacent the work-tool passageway, the axes of said apertures being substantially parallel with the asserts 13 axis of the power unit; means associated with the apertures for maintaining the rods received therein in selected position relative to the front end member; a vise member including a vise plate having opposed side edges and an upper edge; guide rods extending from the vise plate into the rod-reeeiving apertures in the front end member; a table removably mounted on the vise plate at the upper edge thereof; and an abrasive wheel mounted in the worktool supporting means so as to be positioned adjacent the outer face of the front end member and above the table.

21. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim in which the vise plate contains opposed pin-receiving recesses in the opposed side edges adjacent the upper edge, and the table contains a fixed pin positioned in one of said recesses and a movable pin positioned in the other of said recesses.

22. A multipurpose power tool comprising in combination: a framework containing front and rear end members in spaced-apart relationship, the front member having an outer face; an elongated electrically operated power unit having :a front end and a rear end mounted on the rear end member for transverse movement relative thereto and toward and away from the front end member, the front end of the unit containing worktool supporting means and the rear end being provided with a handle; a worktool passageway in the front end member in alignment wi h the tool-supporting means; a plurality of rod-receiving apertures in the rear end member; .a vise member including a vise plate having an outer face and an inner face, a plurality of guide rods extending from the inner face of the vise plate and into the apertures in the rear end member whereby the framework is supported on the outer face of the vise plate with the front end member positioned above the rear end member; and a table mounted on the front end member adjacent the outer face thereof.

23. A multipurpose power tool as set forth in claim 22 in which the front end member contains side edge portions provided with opposed pin-receiving recesses, and the table contains a fixed pin positioned in one of said recesses and a movable pin positioned in the other of said recesses.

24. A multipurpose power tool, comprising: a framework containing front and rear end members in fixed, spaced-apart relationship, said front member having opposed top and bottom edges and side edges adjacent the top edge; an elongated electrically operated Power unit having a front end and a rear end mounted on the framework for longitudinal movement relative thereto, the front end of said power unit containing work-tool supporting means; a work-tool passageway in the front end member in alignment with the tool-supporting means, said front and rear end members supporting the framework on a flat surface in an operative position with the axis of the power unit substantially parallel with said flat surface; a

plurality of apertures in the front end member for receiving rods with work-engaging means associated therewith, the axes of said apertures being substantially parallel with the \axis of the power unit; means associated with the apertures for maintaining the rods received therein in selected position; and opposed pin-receiving recesses in the side edges of the front end member for selectively supporting a work table on said member.

25. A multipurpose power tool, comprising: a framework containing front and rear end members, said front member having an outer face and containing a work-tool passageway; an elongated electrically operated power unit having a front end and a rear end mounted on the framework for longitudinal movement relative thereto, the front end of said power unit containing work-tool supporting means, the front and rear end members supporting the framework on a flat surface in an operative position with the axis of the power unit substantially parallel with said flat surface; means on the front end member for mounting a sabre saw on the outer face thereof in registry with the work-tool passageway and with the drive means of the saw connected to said work-tool supporting means; a plurality of apertures in the front end member for receiving rods with work-engaging means associated therewith, the axis of said apertures being substantially parallel with the axis of the power unit; and means associated with the apertures for maintaining the rods received therein in selected position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 541,349 Gardner June 18, 1895 1,506,154 Berthelsen et a1 Aug. 26,1924 1,651,995 Casey Dec. 6, 1927 1,662,608 Hill Mar. 13, 1928 1,679,103 Thomson July 31, 1928 1,697,669 'Iautz Jan. 1, 1929 1,712,049 Robb May 7, 1929 1,729,324 Bates Sept. 24, 1929 1,864,840 Lehner June 28, 1932 1,896,924 Ulrich Feb. 7, 1933 2,166,703 Bocie July 18, 1939 2,166,831 Wazac July 18, 1939 2,622,638 Sanders Dec. 23, 1952 2,623,269 Goldsehmiclt Dec. 30, 1952 2,630,151 Turnbull Mar. 3, 1953 2,705,513 Moeller Apr. 5, 1955 2,799,305 Groehn July 16, 1957 2,842,171 Weilcart et I31 July 8, 1958 2,905,213 Levine Sept. 22, 1959 2,913,025 Richards Nov. 17, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 241,434 Great Britain Oct. 22, 1925

Claims

2. A MULTIPURPOSE POWER TOOL COMPRISNG: FRONT PLATE AND REAR FRAME MEMBERS POSITIONED IN FIXED, SPACED-APART RELATIONSHIP PROVIDING AT LEAST THREE POINTS IN A COMMON PLANE FOR SUPPORTING THE TOOL ON A FLAT SURFACE IN OPERATIVE POSITION; AN ELECTRICITY OPERATED POWER UNIT CONTAINING A SHAFT WITH ROTATABLE WORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS SUPPORTED ON THE REAR FRAME MEMBER FOR AXIAL MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE FRONT PLATE MEMBER, THE AXIS OF SAID SHAFT BEING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED COMMON PLANE WHEREBY THE SAME IS SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL WITH THE FLAT SURFACE ON WHICH THE TOOL MAY BE POSITIONED; A WORK-TOOL PASSAGEWAY IN THE FRONT PLATE MEMBER IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE WORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS; AND WORKPIECE-ENGAGING MEANS REMOVABLY AND ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRONT PLATE MEMBER FOR SUPPORTING A WORKPIECE IN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORK-TOOL SUPPORTING MEANS.