WO2005058554A1

WO2005058554A1 - Power tool comprising human body attachment means

Info

Publication number: WO2005058554A1
Application number: PCT/CA2004/002149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yvon Robert Gagnon; Robert Thibodeau
Original assignee: Yvon Robert Gagnon; Robert Thibodeau
Priority date: 2003-12-19
Filing date: 2004-12-17
Publication date: 2005-06-30

Abstract

A power tool and attachment combination comprising a support, the support being shaped to be removably affixed to a selected human body part, a power unit affixed to the support, a tool connector operatively connected to the power unit and a power cord for connecting a power source to the power unit.

Description

Power Tool Comprising Human Body Attachment Means

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a power tool, and particularly to a power drill.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of power tools has become common, such power tools including electrically powered drills, screwdrivers, hammers and compressed air powered nail guns, to name but a few examples. Most power tools have the disadvantage of being hand help apparatuses, thus requiring the user to deposit or hang the power tool whenever he needs the use of both hands to perform some manipulation or task.

[0003] Another disadvantage of known power tools, specifically cordless power tools, is the added weight of the power supply, commonly batteries, which must be born by the shoulder, arm and forearm of the user. This makes it tireing and difficult for a user to keep holding onto the power tool when it is not in use and requires him to deposit or hang the power tool when not using it for a certain period of time.

[0004] These disadvantages have for consequence that during a continuous period of work, a user will deposit or hang the power tool numerous times and in cases where the work is performed at some height, especially in ladders, there is a constant risk of the power tool being dropped, which may result in damages to the power tool or even serious injuries to people near the work site.

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present application to obviate or mitigate some or all of the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention provides an apparatus which allows the user of a power tool to use said tool with one hand only, allowing the other hand to be free of the task of supporting and or directing the tool. In its broadest concept, the present invention provides two components, the first being a power source and the second being a support configured and disposed to be removably affixed to a part of a person's anatomy. The support is further sized, configured and disposed to allow a power unit to be affixed thereon, either permanently or removably, so as to allow the person to operate the power tool. Although the most logical place to attach the support to the user may be on the hand and/or wrist of the person, it is understood that the present invention may be used so as to affix the support to any other part of the body, such as a foot, elbow, forehead. As may be understood, the support has as a function to provide a stratum onto which the power unit is to be supported, and has as a further function to act as a bridge between that part of the person's body to be attached and the power unit. According to one particular aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool comprising a support, the support being shaped so as to cover at least a part of a user's forearm and/or wrist and/or hand when worn by a user, a power unit attached to the support, a tool connector operatively connected to the power unit, a power activation unit operatively connected to the power unit and a power cord connected to a power activation unit, i.e. power source, wherein activation of the power activation unit provides power through the power cord to the power unit. The power tool may also further comprise a power supply and a power supply cord connecting the power supply to the power cord.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, the power tool may further comprise a handle(s) or guide(s) operationally connected to the support. As may be understood, the support may be made to be shaped in any desired or required manner so as to, for example, closely conform to the shape of a persons forearm, and/or wrist and/or hand, and if fitted with a handle, said handle may be configured and disposed to allow the user to grasp same to help the operation of the power tool. Alternatively, the support may include any other manner or means of bridging the power unit and the person. For example, the support could comprise a glove, made of any desired or required material, such as Kevlar™, leather, or other material and may include padded regions. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the support may be in the form, for example, of a brace, a partial cast or a cast, either rigid or articulated. In the case where the support is a partial cast or a cast, it may be of a generic shape, either right handed, left handed or ambidextrous. It may also be molded to the shape of a particular user's forearm.

[0008] As may be understood, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the power tool is not limited to any particular type of tool, and may include, for example, a drill, a screwdriver, a hammer, a nail gun, a stapler, a grinder, a circular saw, or any combination of these and other tools.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the support may be made, for example, of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass or a composite material or any combination of these or other materials.

[0010] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, the support may be secured to the user using, for example, straps, Velcro™ strips, laces, elastic bands or resilient members or any combination of these and other attachment methods.

[0011] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, the power unit may be removably attached to various locations on the support and the removal of the power unit from the support stops the power cord from providing power to the power unit. The power unit may also include a removable casing.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, power activation unit may be a switch, such as, for example, a pressure switch, or push button. The power activation unit may also comprise a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein a contact between the positive terminal and the negative terminal provides power from the power cord to the power unit. Furthermore, the power activation unit may be pressure activated and enclosed in the power unit. Further still, the power activation unit may comprise a power selector for selectively varying the power that flows from the support power cord to the power unit.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the power unit may be powered by electricity, compressed air or hydraulically driven and the power cord may correspondingly be an electrical cord, a compressed air hose or a fluid hose. [0014] Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a topside view of a power tool.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a topside view of an alternative embodiment of the power drill of FIG. 1

[0018] FIG. 3 is an underside view of the power tool of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a topside view of the power tool of FIG. 1 worn on the forearm of a user.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a view of a power activation unit.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a user wearing the power tool of FIG. 1 together with an accompanying power supply and power supply cord.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a power tool 10 such as, for example in this particular embodiment, a drilling tool, having a support 12, such as, for example, a brace, cast or partial cast, on which is attached a power unit 14, such as, for example, an electric motor, that is operatively connected to a chuck 16 for receiving a removable tool 18, such as, for example in this particular embodiment, a drill bit. It is to be understood that the support 12 being shown is rigid but that it may also be pliable, flexible or articulated. Also, as shown in Figure 1 , support 12 is one unitary piece, however, support 12 may alternatively comprise two or more pieces either articulated or simply joined. Furthermore, the support 12 may be of a generic type, either right or left arm specific or ambidextrous, or may also be molded to the physical specifications of a user.

[0023] As illustrated, power unit 14 is shown disposed on the top surface of the support 12, and is shown as having a particular size, although it is understood that other sizes, configurations or disposition of power unit 14 may be envisioned. Power unit 14 may be affixed to support 12 in any manner. For example, the power unit 14 may have a removable casing 26, fastened with screws, snaps or any other fastening means, so as to provide easy access to power unit 14 components, such as a stator and brushes, for maintenance and repair purposes. Alternatively, power unit 14 may be permanently and directly fixed to support 12. A support power cord 20 supplies power, such as electricity, compressed air or fluid, to the power unit 14. The power unit 14 is located, in this particular embodiment, adjacent edges 100 and 102 so as to minimize the risk of accidents, it may also be placed in other locations on the support 12, depending on the type of tool used and the desired configuration.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the support 12 may be provided with rails 13 in either or both of the axes going from edge 100 to edge 106 and edge 102 to edge 104. The rails 13 permit the fastening of the power unit 14 in various locations on the support 12, depending on the type of tool used and the desired configuration. In a further embodiment, the rails 13 may be replaced with fixtures or anchor points in predefined locations upon the support 12. The support 12 may also be provided with a handle connector 22 for an optional handle 24 in order to provide better stability and pushing strength against a working surface 2.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows the underside of the power tool 10, the support 12 having attachment means 11 for securing the power tool 10 to the forearm 28 and/or hand 30 of a user. The attachment means 11 may be straps with various fasteners, Velcro™ strips, laces, elastic bands or even resilient members which may not completely encircle the forearm 28 and/or hand 30 of the user.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the power tool 10 as worn by a user, the support 12 covering at least part of the user's forearm 28 and hand 30. It is understood that the shape, form or configuration of the support 12 may vary as best suits the application or preference of the user. This leaves both of the user's hands free as well as ensuring that the power tool 10 remains securely in the user's possession, i.e. that there are no risks of dropping it. The support 12 may be made, for example, of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber and/or plastic, fiberglass, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material or composite. The support may also include a glove (not shown) having padded regions for improved comfort and protection of the user. The glove may be an integral part of the support 12 or may be removable from the power tool 10. Furthermore, the glove may be made of Kevlar™ in order to provide added protection.

[0027] The power tool 10 may be activated using a power activation unit 32, such as, for example, a switch or push button. In a particular embodiment, the power activation unit 32 may be located on the other side of the support 12 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The power activation unit 32 enables power carried by the support power cord 20 to flow to the power unit 14. In an alternate embodiment, the power activation unit 32 may also be composed of a negative terminal located on the underside of the support 12 and a corresponding positive terminal located on a gloved finger, the contact between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power activation unit 32 allowing the current carried by the support power cord 20 to flow to the power unit 14. In a further embodiment, the switch may comprise a power selector so as to selectively vary the power that flows from the support power cord 20 to the power unit 14. [0028] In a yet further embodiment, the power unit 14 may comprise a kill switch and be secured to the support 12 such that if the removable tool 18, for example a drilling tool, were to become wedged or jammed into surface 2, the torque would dislodge the power unit 14 from the support 12 at which time the kill switch would stop the flow of power from the support power cord 20 to the power unit 14. Other configurations may also provide the same safety feature, for example by providing a power connector on the support 12 such that when the power unit 14 is secured to the support 12, power terminals of the power unit 14 are connected to the support power cord 20. Thus, removal of the power unit 14 from the support 12 automatically stops the flow of power from the support power cord 20 to the power unit 14.

[0029] In a still further embodiment, the power tool 10 may be provided with a pressure-activated power unit 14, in which case the power activation unit 32 becomes unnecessary. When using a pressure-activated power unit 14, the chuck 16 senses pressure when the removable tool 18 is pressed against a working surface 2, which in turn activates the pressure-activated power unit 14. It is to be understood that other power activation configurations and locations may be used as well.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a user wearing the power tool

10 together with its accompanying power supply cord 40 and power supply 44. The power supply cord 40 may be detachably connected to the support power cord 20 via a first power connector 42 and to the power supply 44 via a second power connector 46. The power supply 44 may be a rechargeable battery belt such as, for example, a battery belt used in the cinema industry to power portable cameras. The power supply 44 may provide various voltages ranging anywhere from, for example, 9 V to 120 V, using series and parallel connections 48 between the individual batteries 50. This provides sufficient power in a light weight configuration, i.e. the weight is carried by the hips of the user and not by his arm as is the case in typical battery powered tools, and extended usage time before recharging. Furthermore, a backpack, vest or other garment may be substituted for the belt in order to hold the batteries 50. Alternatively, the second power connector 46 may be connected to an extension power cord, which itself may be connected to some power outlet. It should be understood that heavy industrial use will require more power than simple home renovations so the power supply 44 may be selected so as to be of suitable for the given application. As well, as technology evolves, applications requiring voltages higher than 120 V may be foreseeable.

[0031] The power connectors 42, 46 may provide a quick way to disconnect the power tool 10 and the power supply 44, respectively, for the user's convenience, for example when he wants to remove the power tool 10 or replace the power supply 44. This ability to remove the power tool 10 and the power supply 44 independently ensures very low usage downtime.

[0032] It is to be understood that the power tool 10, in the particular embodiment a power drill, may be a variety of tools such as, for example, a power screwdriver, a power hammer, a power stapler or a nail gun. Furthermore, the power tool 10 may also be powered by compressed air or hydraulics, in which case the various power cords may be tubing to carry the compressed air or fluid to the power tool 10. Further still, in the case where the power unit 14 is removably attached to the support 12, the power unit 14 may be replaced with a power unit for the same type of tool, if the power unit is damaged, or it may also be replaced with a power unit for a different type of tool so that, for example, a drill power unit may be replaced by a hammer power unit.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described by way of particular embodiments and examples thereof, it should be noted that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that modifications may be applied to the present particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A power tool and attachment combination, comprising: a support, the support shaped to be removably affixed to a selected human body part; a power unit affixed to the support; a tool connector operatively connected to the power unit; and a power cord for connecting a power source to the power unit.

2. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising at least one rail affixed to the support, wherein the power unit is movably affixed to the rail. ,

3. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising: a power activation unit operatively connected to the power unit and the power cord; wherein activation of the power activation unit provides power from the power cord to the power unit.

4. The power tool of claim 2, wherein the power activation unit is a switch.

5. The power tool of claim 4, wherein the switch is a pressure switch.

6. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the power activation unit is a push button.

7. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the power activation unit comprises a power selector for selectively varying the power that flows from the support power cord to the power unit.

8. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the power activation unit comprises at least one positive terminal and at least one negative terminal, wherein a contact between one of the at least one positive terminal and one of the at least one negative terminal provides power from the power cord to the power unit.

9. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the power activation unit is pressure activated and is enclosed in the power unit.

10. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the support is a brace.

11. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support is a partial cast.

12. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein the partial cast is of a generic shape.

13. The power tool of claim 12, wherein the generic shape is ambidextrous.

14. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein the partial cast is molded to the shape of the human body part.

15. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support is a cast.

16. The power tool of claim 15, wherein the cast is of a generic shape.

17. The power tool of claim 16, wherein the generic shape is ambidextrous.

18. The power tool of claim 15, wherein the cast is molded to the shape of the human body part.

19. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support is rigid.

20. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support is articulated.

21. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising means of securing the support to the human body part.

22. The power tool of claim 21 , wherein the means of securing the support to the human body part includes at least one of a strap, Velcro™ strip, lace, elastic band and resilient member.

23. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power unit is removably attached to the support.

24. The power tool of claim 23, wherein the removable power unit may be attached at various locations on the support.

25. The power tool of claim 23, wherein the removal of the power unit from the support stops the power cord from providing power to the power unit.

26. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the tool connector is a chuck.

27. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to the support.

28. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support includes a glove.

29. The power tool of claim 28, wherein the glove is made of Kevlar™.

30. The power tool of claim 28, wherein the glove includes padded regions.

31. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a material selected from the group comprising aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass and composite material.

32. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power unit includes a removable casing.

33. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising a power selector, the power selector being operatively connected to the power cord for adjusting a level of power transmitted from the power cord to the power unit.

34. The power tool of claim 1 , further comprising a power supply and a power supply cord connecting the power supply to the power cord.

35. The power tool of claim 34, wherein the power supply cord is detachably connected to at least one the power supply and the power cord.

36. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power unit is electrically powered and the power cord is an electrical power cord.

37. The power tool of claim 36, further comprising an electrical power supply and an electrical power supply cord connecting the electrical power supply to the electrical power cord.

38. The power tool of claim 37, wherein the electrical power supply includes at least one battery.

39. The power tool of claim 38, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

40. The power tool of claim 38, wherein the power supply is in the form of a belt.

41. The power tool of claim 38, wherein the power supply is in the form of garment.

42. The power tool of claim 41 , wherein the garment is a vest.

43. The power tool of claim 38, wherein the power supply is in the form of a back pack.

44. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power unit is air powered and the power cord is a compressed air hose.

45. The power tool of claim 44, further comprising a compressed air supply and a compressed air supply hose connecting the compressed air supply to the compressed air supply hose.

46. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power unit is hydraulically powered and the power cord is a fluid hose.

47. The power tool of claim 46, further comprising a fluid supply and a fluid supply hose connecting the fluid supply to the fluid hose.

48. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the power tool is one of a selected group comprising a drill, a screwdriver, a hammer, a nail gun and a stapler.