Patent ID: 7497152
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B27B,H01H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a power tool, the power tool including a housing, a motor operable to drive a tool element, a handle graspable by an operator to provide for movement of the tool element relative to a work piece, a plurality of first teeth, and a plurality of second teeth provided on the handle, the method comprising the acts of: positioning the handle in a first position; engaging at least a portion of the second teeth with at least a portion of the first teeth when the handle is in the first position; operating the power tool with the handle in the first position; positioning the handle in a second position, the second position being different than the first position; engaging at least a portion of the second teeth with at least a portion of the first teeth when the handle is in the second position; and operating the power tool with the handle in the second position; further comprising, after each position act, the act of applying a clamping force to one of the housing and the handle to hold the handle in a position; wherein the power tool further includes clamping structure operable to selectively apply the clamping force to the one of the housing and the handle, and wherein each act of applying a clamping force includes the act of applying a clamping force with the clamping structure to the one of the housing and the handle to hold the handle in a position; wherein the clamping structure includes at least one clamping member operable to apply the clamping force, and an actuator lever operable to move the clamping member, and wherein each act of applying a clamping force with the clamping structure includes the act of operating the actuator lever to move the clamping member to a clamping condition, in which the clamping member applies the clamping force to the one of the housing and the handle to hold the handle in a position; wherein the act of positioning the handle in a first position includes the act of positioning the second teeth in a first position relative to the first teeth, and wherein the act of positioning the handle in a second position includes the act of positioning the second teeth in a second position relative to the first teeth, the second position of the second teeth being different than the first position; wherein the power tool includes a circular saw, wherein the tool element includes a saw blade, and wherein each act of operating the power tool includes the act of operating the circular saw to cut a work piece.