Black Decker Inc.

Porter-cable Corporation

Greg K Griffin

Randy G Cooper

Ginger L Allen

Derrick Kilbourne

Mark A Etter

Jeremy D Leasure

The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing above the table securing/unsecuring of a router motor housing. The mechanism of the present invention employs a mechanical connection included on a pivot member to couple with a wrench device extended through the tabletop. The mechanism permits a user to adjust or release the motor housing without having to reach under the table surface.

Router base securing mechanism

An apparatus for providing convenient grasping of a router adjacent base/motor housing includes a base for supporting a motor housing for driving a working tool. A generally L-shaped handle including a connecting member and grasping member is connected to the base for permitting a user to comfortably manipulate the power tool adjacent the motor housing. In further aspect, a removable a generally L-shaped handle includes a channel extending through the handle for directing dust and debris away from the working tool.

Handle assembly

A router depth adjustment mechanism for minimizing rapid course depth adjustment for standard and plunge routers. Routers with rapid or course adjustment mechanisms may permit a router motor housing to drop suddenly, if the user is inattentive. Sudden adjustments may result in damage to the router and potentially contact the user. The mechanism of the present invention includes a threaded shaft and a biased thread engaging member which may be disengaged for rapid adjustment. A restraining device and/or a break may be included to minimize the rate of change.

Router height adjustment apparatus

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient grasping of a router adjacent base/motor housing includes a base for supporting a motor housing for driving a working tool. A generally L-shaped handle including a connecting member and grasping member is connected to the base for permitting a user to comfortably manipulate the power tool adjacent the motor housing. In further aspect, a removable a generally L-shaped handle includes a channel extending through the handle for directing dust and debris away from the working tool.

A depth adjustment mechanism, disposed on a router, is enabled using a worm drive that includes a shaft member engaging with a rack member. The shaft member couples with a sleeve disposed on a base of the router. The rack member is coupled with a motor casing of the router. The depth adjustment mechanism enables a user selectable engagement of the shaft member with the rack member. A rotating member, which is coupled with the shaft member, is engaged by a user to displace the shaft member relative to the rack member. The selective engagement of the shaft member with the rack member and rotation enabled by the rotating member enables continuous metered depth adjustment for the router.

Depth adjustment mechanism

An ergonomically designed router assembly includes a base assembly coupled with a motor casing including a grip assembly which provides an overall narrower profile to the router assembly. The grip assembly may relieves stress on the muscles and allows the operator to more securely grasp the router with one hand thus decreasing fatigue levels as compared to those routers which require both hands of the operator to be engaged for control over the router.

Ergonomic router assembly

An apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

Switch assembly

The present invention is directed to a router including a motor housing for at least partially enclosing a motor, a base having a sleeve for receiving the motor housing therein. The base is constructed to at least partially support the motor housing on a workpiece. The router additionally includes an electrical switch disposed substantially in a quadrant, defined by a first axis extending through generally opposing handles, and a second axis, extending normal to the first axis, and generally bisecting the motor housing, of the motor housing. Preferably, the electrical switch is disposed in the range of 30&#xb0; (thirty degrees) to 60&#xb0; (sixty degrees) from the second axis and particularly at approximately 45&#xb0; (forty-five degrees) to allow for comfortable grasping of the motor housing/base, easy repeatable switch manipulation, and the like.

Ergonomic router

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient control of a power tool electrical system. A switch assembly of the present invention includes a first actuator and a second actuator, which is disposed remotely from the switch and first actuator. The second actuator is connected via a coupling device, such that user manipulation of either the first or second actuator is capable of controlling electricity flowing to the motor. Including a second actuator may permit the user to retain greater control over the tool when turning the power on or off. In additional exemplary aspects, a coupling device included in the switch assembly is configured and arranged so as to prevent inadvertent damage to the power tool such as by accidental engagement of a shaft lock while the motor is operating.

The present invention is directed to a router depth adjustment mechanism for minimizing rapid course depth adjustment for standard and plunge routers. Routers with rapid or course adjustment mechanisms may permit a router motor housing to drop suddenly, if the user in inattentive. Sudden adjustments may result in damage to the router and even user injury. The mechanism of the present invention includes a threaded shaft and a biased thread engaging member which may be disengaged for rapid adjustment. A restraining device and/or a break may be included to minimize the rate of change.

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Humboldt, TN, United States of America

Greg K Griffin