Patent ID: 7503732
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: B25H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A laser-guided stair rail drill guide comprising: suspension structure configured for suspending a drill from a stair rail being installed, the drill having a bit with a longitudinal axis, the suspension structure further configured to position the drill with its bit oriented vertically upward so that, when suspended from a stair rail, the bit points toward an underside of the stair rail; said suspension structure comprising: a clamp riser configured for placement adjacent the side of a stair rail to be drilled while the stair rail drill guide is in use, upper contact structure supported at an upper end of said clamp riser, said upper contact structure being shaped and configured for contacting an upper side of said stair rail; lower contact structure secured to a lower end of said clamp riser, said lower contact structure being shaped and configured for contacting an underside of said stair rail; clamping structure located at said upper end of said clamp riser for selectively causing said upper contact structure and said lower contact structure to move towards one another, thereby clamping said stair rail therebetween and securing said laser-guided stair rail drill guide in position relative to the stair rail; a laser; laser-supporting structure which supports said laser in relation to said suspension structure such that, when in use, said laser's beam points toward a stair tread located below the stair rail, with the beam of said laser coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bit of a drill suspended by said suspension structure; wherein, by aligning said laser beam with a site for a first hole to be drilled in the stair tread for receiving a lower end of a baluster, a second hole can be drilled in the underside of the stair rail in accurate vertical alignment with said first hole, said second hole being for receiving an upper end of the baluster, such that, when positioned between said first and second holes, said baluster is plumb.