CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to United States Patent

Application No. 15/656,329 filed July 21, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a power tool attachment and, more particularly, to an oscillating power tool attachment saw for cutting drywall.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Modem buildings including homes, offices and other structures often use drywall to cover interior walls and ceilings. During installation, an installer will cut standard sheets of drywall to fit the building interior, and then make more specific cuts for outlet boxes for electrical outlets and light switches. To perform these cuts, the installer will commonly use a knife, a box cutter or other known cutting implement to partially cut through one side of the drywall. The installer then is required to break, fold over and then finish cutting the craft paper on the opposite side. This known process is tedious and causes gypsum to be scattered about the prep and work area.

[0004] More recently, installers have turned to power tools, such as oscillating power tools, to make these common cuts. Known oscillating power tools, for instance, provide vibratory motion for an attachment to cut through the drywall with ease. However, many known attachments for these oscillating power tools still require a large number of independent actions to perform accurate cuts. For example, the installer still needs to take several measurements to accurately match the dimensions of the opening for a desired position along the drywall. Furthermore, since several cuts are performed, the oscillating power tool causes gypsum and cut pieces to be scattered about the prep and work area, which causes more time for clean up. Therefore, there is a need for an improved tool attachment to cut openings in drywall that is more convenient, efficient, and easy to use.

SUMMARY

[0005] A power tool attachment saw according to the invention is provide and includes a body plate, a connector section and a plurality of cutting walls. The body plate is a planar body and the connector section positioned on one side of the planar body and adapted for attachment to an oscillating power tool. The plurality of cutting walls are positioned orthogonal to and extend from exterior edges of the planar body to form a material receiving space. The plurality of cutting walls providing a uniform cutting edge about the material receiving space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are always used for elements with the same function and/or the same structure

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known oscillating power tool connected to a power tool attachment saw according to the invention;

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an opening provided by a power tool attachment saw of Figure 1 ;

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power tool attachment saw from Figure 1, showing assembly with a known oscillating power tool;

[0010] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a power tool attachment saw according to the invention, showing a body plate and a plurality of cutting walls thereof;

[0011] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of another power tool attachment saw according to the invention, showing a body plate and a plurality of cutting walls thereof;

[0012] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a power tool attachment saw according to the invention, showing assembly with a known oscillating power tool;

[0013] Figure 7 is a sectional view of a power tool attachment saw according to the invention, showing use with a known oscillating power tool;

[0014] Figure 8 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 7, showing further use with a known oscillating power tool to provide an opening in drywall;

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another power tool attachment saw according to the invention, showing a level;

[0016] Figure 10 is a front view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9;

[0017] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another power tool attachment saw with a material grasping device according to the invention;

[0018] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing use with a known oscillating power tool;

[0019] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing further use with a known oscillating power tool; [0020] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing ejection of material held by the material grasping device;

[0021] Figure 15 is a perspective view of another power tool attachment saw with a catch according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 16 is a rear view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 15;

[0023] Figure 17 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 15, showing use with a known oscillating power tool;

[0024] Figure 18 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing use of the catch;

[0025] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing further use with a known oscillating power tool;

[0026] Figure 20 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing even further use with a known oscillating power tool;

[0027] Figure 21 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing use with a known oscillating power tool to provide an opening in known material;

[0028] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing ejection of the known material held by the catch; and

[0029] Figure 23 is a sectional view of the power tool attachment saw of Figure 9, showing further ejection of material held by the catch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1-3, an improved power tool attachment saw 100 according to the invention is provided and is for use with a known oscillating portable or handheld power tool 200.

[0032] In general, the power tool attachment saw 100 is made from steel or another hard material typically used for power tool attachments, such as blades or rasps, depending on the surface being cut, and is coupled to the power tool 200.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the power tool 200 generally includes a motor (not shown), a spindle 204 and an attachment fastener 210. The spindle 204 is attached to the motor (not shown) which allows spindle 204 to rapidly rotate back and forth by a narrow angle of oscillation. [0034] In the shown embodiment, the spindle 204 generally includes an interface 206 with a plurality of protrusions 208 disposed about the interface 206. In the shown embodiment, the interface 206 is a planar surface end of the spindle 204. The spindle 204 further includes a fastener-receiving passageway 1 14. As shown, the fastener-receiving passageway 1 14 is a threaded passageway that is shaped and sized to correspond with the attachment fastener 210.

[0035] In the shown embodiment, the attachment fastener 210 generally includes a fastener shaft 212 and a fastener head 214. The fastener shaft 212 is a threaded fastener with an external male thread that is sized and shaped to correspond with the fastener-receiving passageway 1 14, and is detachable from spindle 204.

[0036] Generally, the spindle 204 and the attachment fastener 210 are adapted to attach with a number of different tools or tool accessories, one of which is a power tool attachment saw 100 according to the invention.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, a power tool attachment saw 100 according to the invention generally includes the following major components: a connector section 110, a body plate 130, and a plurality of cutting walls 140. The connector plate 112 is secured to the body plate 130, and the cutting walls 140 extend outward from the body plate 130 to provide a cutting tool form that provides repeatable, accurate cuts of uniform dimensions.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the connector section 1 10 includes a connector plate 112, a first support arm 120 extending from one end of the connector plate 1 12, and a second support arm 125 extending from an opposite end of the connector plate 112.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector section 1 10 is made from a single sheet of material, for instance, metal. In the shown embodiment, the connector plate 112, the first support arm 120, and the second support arm 125 are formed by bending the sheet of material into a defined configuration, such as the exemplary embodiment described below. While the connector section 1 10, in the shown embodiment, is integrally formed by bending a sheet of material, the connector section 110 could also be molded or, in the alternative, the connector section 1 10 may be formed from individual manufactured pieces that are then secured together using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion.

[0040] In the shown embodiment, the connector plate 112 is a planar body that generally includes a fastener-receiving passageway 114, a fastener-positioning channel 1 16, and a plurality of protrusion receiving spaces 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener- receiving passageway 114 is a circular void extending there through and is positioned proximate to a center of the planar body. The fastener-positioning channel 116 is also a void, but is an elongated void extending through the planar body from one side of the connector plate 112 to the fastener-receiving passageway 114. The plurality of protrusion receiving spaces 118 are provided and arranged evenly about the fastener-receiving passageway 114. The fastener-receiving passageway 114 and the protrusion receiving spaces 118 are sized, shaped, and positioned complementary to the fastener shaft 212 and the protrusions 208 of the spindle 204.

[0041] The first support arm 120 is a planar body and generally includes a first extension section 122 and a first connector section 124. In the shown embodiment, the first extension section 122 and the first connector section 124 are planar bodies that are orthogonally positioned to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the first extension section 122 extends away from the connector plate 112 and, more particularly, at a 90° degree angle. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that that the angle at which the first support arm 120 extends could be selected based on structural preference of the connector plate 112.

[0042] The second support arm 125 is also a planar body and generally includes a second extension section 126 and a second connector section 128. In the shown embodiment, the second extension section 126 and the second connector section 128 are planar bodies that are orthogonally positioned with respect to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the second extension section 126 extends away from the connector plate 112 and, more particularly, at a 90° degree angle. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that that the angle at which the second support arm 125 extends could be selected based on structural preference of the connector plate 112.

[0043] One skilled in the art should appreciate that in an alternative embodiment, the first support arm 120 and the second support arm 125 can extend from the connector plate 112 at different angles, including those less than or greater than a 90° degree angle.

[0044] With reference to Figures 3-5, the body plate 130 and the cutting walls 140 will be described.

[0045] As shown, the body plate 130 is a planar body having a length L and a width W. The body plate 130 generally includes a tool receiving passageway 132 extending there through. In the embodiment shown, the tool receiving passageway 132 is positioned proximate to a substantial center of the body plate 130. The cutting walls 140 are also planar bodies matching the length L or width W of the body plate 130. The cutting walls 140 extend from edges of the body plate 130 by a depth Dl that is larger than a thickness T of material to be cut (i.e. drywall), with each cutting wall 140 having a cutting edge 142. In the shown embodiment, the body plate 130 is rectangular and includes four cutting walls 140 extending orthogonally therefrom. The cutting walls 140 are positioned and secured to outer edges of the body plate 130 at 90° degree angles. The cutting walls 140 may be secured using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion. As assembled, the body plate 130 and the cutting walls 140 provide a defined form as a rectangular box with a material receiving space 150.

[0046] As shown, the body plate 130 and the cutting walls 140 may be formed from a single sheet of material (Figure 5) or from individual pieces of material (Figure 4). If made from a moldable material, the body plate 130 and the cutting walls 140 may be integrally formed without any subsequent assembly.

[0047] In the shown embodiment, the cutting edge 142 is a serrated shaped edge and, more particularly, a hard toothed edge. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other known cutting surfaces could be used, such as a blade or burred edge.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the connector section 1 10 is positioned on the body plate 130, such that the tool receiving passageway 132 and the fastener-receiving passageway 1 14 correspond with each other. The first support arm 120 and the second support arm 125 are then secured to the body plate 130 using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion. The connector plate 1 12 is positioned above the body plate 130 by a depth D2 that is larger than a height H of the fastener head 214

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power tool attachment saw 100 further includes a level 160, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0050] As shown, the level 160 is any known instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) and/or vertical (plumb). In the shown embodiment according to the invention, the level 160 is a spirit level and is positioned and secured to the connector section 1 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the level 160 could be secured to the body plate 130 or one of the cutting walls 140. The level 160 may be secured to the connector section 110 or other position using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion. One skilled in the art would understand that other known measuring devices could be used, including laser line levels, stud finders, and digital tape measures to more accurate position the power tool attachment saw 100. [0051] As shown in Figures 1 1-14, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power tool attachment saw 100 includes a material grasping device 170 and an ejection tool passageway 178.

[0052] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the material grasping device 170 is an elongated clasp that includes a body 172 and a hook 174 positioned and secured at one end thereof. In the shown embodiment, the body 172 is firmly secured to the body plate 130 with the hook 174 extending away therefrom. The body 172 may be secured to the body plate 130 using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion. As shown, the hook 174 is a curved or an indented end piece that is capable of piercing and snagging material (i.e. dry wall). The material grasping device 170 is positioned within the depth Dl of the material receiving space 150

[0053] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the ejection tool passageway 178 is a through hole extending through the body plate 130 and into the material receiving space 150.

[0054] As shown in Figures 15-23, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power tool attachment saw 100 further includes a catch 180.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the catch 180 generally includes a material grasping device 182 and an ejection device 190.

[0056] As shown, the material grasping device 182 includes a body 184, a stop 186, and a hook 188 positioned at one end thereof. The stop 186 is an external ridge or rim formed between ends of the body 184. In particular, the stop 186 is positioned between the body 184 and the hook 188.

[0057] The ejection device 190 includes a push body 192, a spring 198, and a spring stop 199. As shown, the push body 192 is a blunt end knob and includes a body receiving passageway 194 and a spring receiving passageway 196. The body receiving passageway 194 and the spring receiving passageway 196 are both channels that extend through the push body 192 from one end thereof. In the shown embodiment, the body receiving passageway 194 is longer than the spring receiving passageway 196, however, the spring receiving passageway 196 is wider than the body receiving passageway 194. In the shown embodiment, the body receiving passageway 194 and the spring receiving passageway 196 are cylindrical channels and correspond in size and shape to the body 184 and the spring 198 respectively. As shown, the spring 198 is a helical spring designed for compression. However, the spring 198 could be any elastic object used to create compression. The spring stop is annular body that is securely positioned along the body plate 130 or the connector section 1 10 and corresponds with the spring 198.

[0058] In the shown embodiment, the body 184 is positioned through a body receiving passageway 131 that extends through the body plate 130 and secured to the ejection device 190. More particularly, the body 184 is guided through the body receiving passageway 194 and secured to the push body 192. The spring 198 is positioned between and bias against the push body 192 and the body plate 130 and, more particularly, the spring 198 is positioned against an outer surface of the spring stop 199 and the push body 192 within the spring receiving passageway 196. The body 184 and may be secured to the push body 192 using any known joining techniques, such as welding, fastening, or any other method that provides a secure, non-movable connection between the pieces, including adhesion.

[0059] As shown, the hook 188 includes a curved or an indented end piece that is capable of piercing and snagging material (i.e. dry wall). The material grasping device 170 is positioned within the depth Dl of the material receiving space 150

[0060] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, ejection tool passageway 178 is a through hole extending through the body plate 130 and into the material receiving space 150.

[0061] Now with reference to the Figures, assembly of the power tool attachment saw 100 to the power tool 200 will be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, the fastener shaft 212 is positioned to the fastener-receiving passageway 1 14 by guiding the fastener shaft 212 from one side of the connector plate 112 through the fastener-positioning channel 116. The fastener head 214 is then positioned between the connector plate 112 and the body plate 130. The interface 206 is then aligned with the plurality of protrusion receiving spaces 1 18 such that the plurality of protrusions 208 are received by the protrusion receiving spaces 1 18.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the fastener shaft 212 is then secured to the fastener-receiving passageway 1 14 by tightening the fastener shaft 212 using a tightening tool 300 that extends through the tool receiving passageway 132.

[0064] Now with reference to Figures 7 and 8, use of the power tool attachment saw 100 with the power tool 200 will be described.

[0065] In order to cut an opening, such as a rectangular shaped opening, in a material (i.e. dry wall), the use measures and marks comers of the desired opening and then aligns the power tool attachment saw 100 with the first corner and using the power tool attachment saw 100 to cut the opening. Using the level 160, the cutting walls 140 are position to be horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) (see also Figures 9 and 10). [0066] As the power tool 200 oscillates, the power tool attachment saw 100 performs tiny cuts in the material using the cutting edges 142. Since oscillation is controlled by very small angles (i.e. 1 ° degree -5° degree), the power tool attachment saw 100 easily cuts through the material, which is then received by the material receiving space 150.

[0067] As shown in Figures 11 -14, the material grasping device 170 may be used to grasp the material cut from the opening, wherein the hook 174 pierces the material. As the cutting walls 140 continue to cut, the material slides onto the body 172 to be disposed of. As shown, the material is held in the material receiving space 150 and a user can use a tool (i.e.

screwdriver, finger or probe) through the ejection tool passageway 178 to eject the material from the material receiving space 150.

[0068] As shown in Figures 15-23, the catch 180 may be used to grasp the material cut from the opening, wherein the hook 188 pierces the material. As the cutting walls 140 continue to cut, the material slides onto the body 184 to be disposed of. As shown, the material is held in the material receiving space 150 and a user can use the ejection device 190 to eject the material from the material receiving space 150.

[0069] Furthermore, the catch 180 can be used to stabilize the cutting walls 140 before cutting. The ejection device 190 can urge the body 184 and hook 188 beyond the depth Dl of the material receiving space 150 and into the material. The push body 192 is stabilized by the compression of the stop 186 against the body plate 130. However, when urged, the push body 192 moves the body 184 through the material receiving space 150 and beyond the cutting walls 140. The stop 186 prevents over extension of the body 184 by abutting the material. The hook 188 then grasps the material and the spring 198 urges the hook 188 toward the body plate 130 to urge the cutting walls 140 against the material, as shown in Figure 18. As the cutting walls 140 continue to cut, the material slides onto the body 184 to be disposed of.

[0070] To discard, the push body 192 is urged to move the body 184 and the material through the material receiving space 150 and beyond the cutting walls 140. The user can then extract and discard the material.

[0071] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood that other modifications, substitutions, and alternatives are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications, substitutions, and altematives can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.