Abstract:
A router includes a motor housing containing a motor and coupled to a tool holder configured to receive a tool bit that is driven rotationally by the motor. A base receives the motor housing for movement in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the motor housing. A depth adjustment mechanism enables adjustment of a position of the motor housing relative to the base along the axial direction. The depth adjustment mechanism has a threaded shaft rotationally coupled to one of the motor housing and the base and a thread engaging member coupled to the other of the motor housing and the base. The threaded shaft is engageable with the thread engaging member. A seam defined in the base adjacent to the depth adjustment mechanism. A clamp arm clamps across the seam between an open position and a closed position, whereby when the clamp arm is in the open position, the threaded shaft may be rotated to move the motor housing in an axial direction relative to the base, and when the clamp arm is in the closed position, movement of the motor housing relative to the base in an axial direction is prevented.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention is claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/829,925, filed Apr. 22, 2004, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/686,300, filed Oct. 15, 2003, now abandoned, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/418,510, filed Oct. 15, 2002, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/467,169, filed May 1, 2003. Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates to the field of power tools, and particularly to a depth adjustment mechanism for a power tool, such as a router, biscuit joiner, planer, or the like. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Routers are employed to accomplish a variety of tasks. Used for shaping objects typically composed of wood, plastic, metal, composite materials, and the like, routers have become a mainstay of the construction work site and home work shops. Controlling the router while in operation has been the purview of many design configurations. The depth of cut provided by a router has been the focus of many different design configurations, from handles which can operably change the depth, to attachments which may be employed to adjust the depth, to base designs which allow an operator to vary cut depth. Typical designs have required the use of non-integrated parts to accomplish these depth adjustments. 
         [0004]    The adjustment mechanisms employed currently may also be limited by their ability to achieve satisfactory results. For instance, some adjustment mechanisms may be enabled to satisfactorily achieve coarse adjustments, allowing the operator to make significant changes in the depth of cut to be achieved, but fail to provide a satisfactory ability to fine adjust the depth of cut. Alternatively, adjustment mechanisms designed to provide fine adjustments may have overly burdensome mechanisms. For example, some current depth adjustment mechanisms may provide a limited number of predetermined stops which limit the flexibility of cut depth. Other current depth adjustment mechanisms may employ multiple stage depth adjust systems where the operator is required to adjust through the range of depth adjustment provided by one stage before being required to engage a secondary stage to make further adjustments. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In an aspect, a depth adjustment mechanism may be employed with a router. The depth adjustment mechanism may permit continuous metered depth adjustment. This functionality may be enabled by a variety of mechanisms such as a worm drive assembly mounted parallel to a cylindrical portion of a motor casing of the router. The threading of the worm drive may mesh with threading spaced longitudinally along the motor casing generally opposite the worm drive. A handle may be connected to the worm drive for rotating the drive and a micro adjust collar with depth adjustment indications. Such a depth adjustment mechanism may provide significant advantages over current systems for depth adjustment being employed in many routers. For example, by not requiring external devices for making the adjustments there is no risk of misplacement of necessary components resulting in inoperability of the depth adjustment system. Further, the present invention may provide an easier method of adjustment thereby reducing fatigue and stress on the operator and thus prolonging use of the router. 
         [0006]    Additionally, the depth adjustment mechanism may be operated from the base end through mechanical connection with the worm drive. Such a system may be advantageous when the router is being employed with a router table. In such an instance the present invention may be provided with an extendable spindle and collet which facilitate bit changes by extending beyond a base or sub-base. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a method of providing continuous metered depth adjustments of a router bit is provided. Through the use of a router, engaged with the router bit, including a depth adjustment mechanism of the present invention a user is provided the ability to make continuous metered depth adjustments to the depth of cut established by the router bit. 
         [0008]    Advantages may include one or more of the following. A depth adjustment mechanism increases ease by which an operator may adjust the depth of cut performed by an operator of the router during operation of the router. A depth adjustment mechanism may be easily accessed by an operator when the router is being employed with other equipment, such as a router table. Easy replacement of bits in the router is facilitated. 
         [0009]    It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other advantages and features will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view illustrating a router assembly including a depth adjustment mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view illustrating the adjustable coupling capability of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 1  for engaging a shaft member against a rack member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 1 , including a micro adjust collar coupled with a handle; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a router assembly including a depth adjustment mechanism enabled via a worm drive assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the router assembly and the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 5 , including a micro adjust collar coupled with a handle; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a top plan perspective view illustrating the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 5  and indicating the selective movement capabilities enabled by a fastening assembly and the corresponding selective engagement capabilities of a shaft member with a rack member of the worm drive assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a router assembly including a depth adjustment mechanism enabled via a worm drive assembly including a housing engaged by a first exemplary embodiment of a biasing assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the router assembly including the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 9 , including a micro adjust collar coupled with a handle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view illustrating the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 9  in a closed position with the biasing assembly engaged against the housing which engages a shaft member, disposed within the housing, against a rack member disposed on a motor casing, thereby, enabling continuous metered height adjustment of the router assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective top plan view illustrating the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 9  in an open position releasing the engagement of the biasing assembly with the housing and the engagement of the shaft member with the rack member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of the movement capabilities of the biasing assembly, wherein the biasing assembly may selectively engage or disengage the housing in the closed or open position, respectively, resulting in the selective engagement and/or disengagement of the shaft member with the rack member of the worm drive assembly; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C are illustrations of the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 9  including a lock assembly operationally disposed upon the biasing assembly and the sleeve, the lock assembly enabling a plurality of stops capable of being engaged in a plurality of positions; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a router assembly including a depth adjustment mechanism enabled via a worm drive assembly including a housing coupled with a handle coupled with a shaft member which engages a rack member disposed on a motor casing, wherein a second exemplary embodiment of a biasing assembly enables the selective engagement of the shaft member with the rack member in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view illustrating the router assembly including the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is an illustration of the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 16 , including a micro adjust collar coupled with a handle; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a top plan perspective view illustrating the router assembly including the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 16  in an open or released position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a front plan view illustrating the open or released position of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a side elevation view illustrating the open or release position of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a router assembly including a depth adjustment mechanism enabled via a worm drive assembly including a housing coupled with a handle coupled with a shaft member which engages a rack member disposed on a motor casing, wherein a third exemplary embodiment of a biasing assembly including a biasing cover enables the selective engagement of the shaft member with the rack member in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a top plan perspective view illustrating an open position of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a side elevation view illustrating an open position of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a side elevation view illustrating a closed position of the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view illustrating the biasing assembly including the handle adjustably coupled with a first bracket, the handle further including a tab for engaging the first bracket; 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is an expanded view of the adjustable coupling of the handle with the first bracket and the tab, disposed on the handle, which selectively engages and/or disengages against the first bracket for biasing the position of the first bracket; 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view illustrating the closed position enabled by depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view illustrating the open position enabled by the depth adjustment mechanism of the router assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is an illustration of the router assembly with the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 22  placing a bit engagement assembly in a raised first position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is an illustration of the router assembly with the depth adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 22  placing a bit engagement assembly in a lowered second position; 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a side elevation view illustrating the router assembly of  FIG. 22  engaged against a router table of a router table assembly, wherein the shaft member enables a mechanical connection with a coupling device for enabling depth adjustment by the depth adjustment mechanism; 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is an expanded view of  FIG. 33  illustrating the movement of the coupling device and the concomitant movement of the depth adjustment mechanism; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  illustrates a block diagram representing a method of providing continuous metered depth adjustments of a router bit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , a first exemplary embodiment of a router assembly  100  including a motor casing  102  adjustably coupled with a base  104  and a depth adjustment mechanism, is shown. The motor casing  102  is disposed with a motor operationally coupled with a spindle and collet assembly  105  which may operationally couple a router bit. The depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a worm drive assembly comprising a handle  108  including a rotating member  110  which is operationally coupled with a shaft member  112 . In the current embodiment, the shaft member  112  is a shaft member. Various other configurations of the shaft member  112  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. A first end  113  of the shaft member  112  couples with the rotating member  110  and a second end  115  of the shaft member  112  includes a mechanical connector  117 . 
         [0046]    A rack member  114  is disposed on the motor casing  102  and is for engaging with the shaft member  112 . In the current embodiment the rack member is a spirally threaded rack member  114  for engaging with the shaft member  112 . The configuration of the rack member  114  may be varied to accommodate the configuration of the shaft member  112  and enable the functionality of the depth adjustment mechanism. It is contemplated that the rack member  114  may be removed form the motor casing  102 , enabling retrofitting of the rack member  114  with a secondary motor casing assembly or retro-fitting of the motor casing  102  with a secondary rack member. 
         [0047]    The depth adjustment mechanism enabled as a worm drive assembly will be generally shown and described throughout the instant application. The various component features will be shown as having generally similar configurations and functionality. It is understood that the various embodiments may vary the configuration of the components of the depth adjustment mechanism to provide similar functionality as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. It is the intention of the following description to encompass such varying configurations. 
         [0048]    The handle  108  is received within a sleeve  116  disposed upon the base  104 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve defines a cylindrical recessed area including a defined recessed area  119  which extends from a first end  121  to a second end  125  of the sleeve  116 . The defined recessed area is for receiving the handle  108  into the sleeve  116 . It is understood that the defined recessed area  119  establishes an aperture defined by the first end  121  and extending through the sleeve  116  to an aperture defined by the second end  125 . Alternatively, the second end  125  may include a cover which at least partially encloses the cylindrical recessed area of the sleeve  116 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  116  includes a feeder  118 , said feeder  118  is engaged by the handle  108  as it is being operationally inserted within the sleeve  116 . The sleeve  116  further defines an access point  129 , which is operationally disposed within the base  104 . The access point  129  is preferably a slot within the base  104  in which the rack member  114  is operationally enabled to couple with the shaft member  112 . The configuration of the access point  129  may be varied as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0049]    Advantageously, the depth adjustment mechanism of the present invention enables a user to make macro adjustments. The macro adjustments may be accomplished through releasing the operational engagement of the shaft member  112  with the rack member  114 . This may occur when the handle  108  is removed from the sleeve  116  or partially disposed within the sleeve  116 , positioned away from the motor casing  102 . When the depth adjustment mechanism is so established the user may manually alter the position of the motor casing  102  relative to the base  104 . The rotating member  110  may be rotated in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction in order to provide micro adjustments of the positioning of the router bit. 
         [0050]    Further, a micro adjust collar  120 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , may be operationally coupled with the handle  108 , rotating member  110  and the first end  113  of the shaft member  112 . The micro adjust collar  120  provides the operator a visual indication of the depth enabled by a turn of the rotating member  110 . The micro adjust collar  120  may include hash marks relating to depth, as shown in a preferred embodiment. It is contemplated that other methods of indicating depth may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The micro adjust collar  120  preferably provides indications of depth in a three hundred sixty degree orientation around the handle  104 . It is contemplated that the micro adjust collar  120  may provide indication of depth in a one hundred eighty degree arc or in various other degree of arc configurations as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As stated above, the micro adjust collar  120  may advantageously enable a user to establish the range of fine adjustment enabled by a rotation of the rotating member  110 , which in-turn establishes the position of the router bit by adjusting the position of the motor casing  102  relative to the base  104 . For example, the micro adjust collar  120  may be set by the user to enable a one half inch adjustment for each rotation of the rotating member  110 . It is contemplated that the micro adjust collar  120  may provide various depth adjustment capabilities, ranging from one-sixteenth of an inch to one and one-half inch of adjustment per turn of the handle. Thus, the depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a continuous worm drive assembly which enables a user to make continuous metered macro and/or micro adjustments of the position of the router bit. 
         [0051]    In operation, the worm gear assembly is engaged when the shaft member  112  is engaged against the rack member  114  disposed upon the motor casing  102 . This occurs when the handle  108 , including the rotating member  110  and the shaft member  112 , is operationally inserted within the sleeve  116 . When the handle  108  is being first inserted into the sleeve  116  the handle  108  is positioned away from the motor casing  102 . As the handle  108  is further inserted into the sleeve  116  it engages against the feeder  118 . The feeder  118  provides for the movement of the handle  108  towards the motor casing  102  as the handle  108  is further inserted into the sleeve  116 . Upon the full insertion of the handle  108  into the sleeve  116 , the feeder  118  has enabled the positioning of the handle  108  in operational contact with the motor casing  102 . The operational contact of the handle  108  with the motor casing  102  is established when the spirally threaded member  112 , coupled with the handle  108 , is engaged against the rack member  114 , disposed on the motor casing  102 . It is understood that the feeder  118  may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Further, the enablement of positioning the handle  108  within the sleeve  116  for operation of the worm drive gearing may be accomplished in various manners without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0052]    It is contemplated that the positioning of the handle  108 , inserted within the sleeve  116  and operationally engaging with the motor casing  102 , may be secured through the use of a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly may be of various configurations, such as a latch assembly, compression lock assembly, snap assembly, spring-loaded assembly, and the like. Further, the component features of the fastening assembly may be disposed upon various components of the depth adjustment mechanism. For example, the handle  108  may include a receiver which may be operationally engaged by a latch disposed on the feeder  118 . Alternatively, the latch may be disposed in various locations about the sleeve  116 . In alternative embodiments, the spirally threaded shaft  112  may include a compression lock which may affix with a receiver disposed within the sleeve  116 . It is further contemplated that implementation of the aforementioned fastening assemblies may include release mechanisms. These mechanisms may be manually engaged by the operator or provide release of the handle  108  through a re-positioning of the handle  108 . 
         [0053]    It is further contemplated that the handle  108  may be enabled in various positions while received within the sleeve  116 . This enablement may be provided by various mechanisms as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a spring-loaded elbow assembly may be coupled with the shaft member  112  and enable the adjustment of the handle  108  relative to the sleeve  116 . The feeder  118  may include a mechanism for enabling the re-positioning of the handle  108  without requiring the handle  108  to be removed from the sleeve  116 . 
         [0054]    The mechanical connector  117  of the shaft member  112  extends to enable operational access to the depth adjustment mechanism. For instance, the router assembly  100  may be coupled with a router table assembly. The router assembly  100  may couple on the underside of a table of the router table assembly. The table may include a through point which allows a device, such as a key, to insert through the table and engage with the mechanical connector  117  of the shaft member  112 . Access of the tool to the mechanical connector  117  may be provided by a base access point (i.e., an aperture) defined in the base  104 . Alternative configurations for the base access point, as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art, may be employed. Thus, a user may adjust the depth of the router bit, relative to the table, by rotating the key. It is understood that various configurations of the router table assembly and the shaft member  112  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0055]    In this preferred embodiment, the base  104  is further disposed with a first knob handle  140  and a second knob handle  142 . The first and second knob handles may be removable from the base assembly. It is further understood that the knob handles may be replaced with a variety of handle apparatus, such as a post, an “L” shaped handle, and the like. The motor casing assembly  102  further includes a first selector  144  and a second selector  146 . The first and second selectors may be used to operate the router assembly  100  by enabling an operator to provide power to a motor disposed within the motor casing  102 . Power may be provided through a standard electrical cord, a battery assembly (including re-chargeable batteries), and the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0056]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 5 through 8 , a second exemplary router assembly  200  comprising a motor casing  202  adjustably coupled with a base assembly  204  and a second exemplary depth adjustment mechanism, is shown. The motor casing  202  is disposed with a motor operationally engaging a collet assembly  205  which may operationally engage a router bit. The depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a continuous worm drive assembly comprising a handle  206  including a housing  208  adjustably coupled with a rotating member  210  which is operationally coupled with a shaft member  212 . A first end of the shaft member  212  couples with the rotating member  210  and a second end  215  of the shaft member  212  includes a mechanical connector  217 . Additionally, the worm gear of the depth adjustment mechanism includes a rack member  214  disposed upon the motor casing assembly  202 . 
         [0057]    A micro adjust collar  226 , similar to the micro adjust collar  120 , may be operationally coupled with the housing  208 , rotating member  210  and the shaft member  212 . The micro adjust collar  226  enables the continuous metered fine “micro” adjustment capability of the position of the router bit. As described previously, continuous metered macro adjustments may also be enabled through the present invention. 
         [0058]    The housing  208  may be received within a sleeve  216  disposed upon the base assembly  204 . The sleeve  216  defines an at least partially enclosed recessed area within which the housing  208  may be inserted, similar to the defined recessed area  119  described above in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve defines a cylindrical recessed area  219 , extending from a first end  221  to a second end  225 , for receiving the housing  208 . The defined recessed area is for receiving the handle  108  into the sleeve  116 . Alternatively, the second end  225  may include a cover which at least partially encloses the cylindrical recessed area of the sleeve  216 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  216  includes a feeder  218 , said feeder  218  is engaged by the handle  206  as it is being operationally inserted within the sleeve  216 . It is contemplated that the sleeve  216  may further define an access point disposed within the base  204 . The access point may be a slot within the base  104  in which the rack member  214  is operationally enabled to couple with the shaft member  212 . 
         [0059]    In this preferred embodiment, the sleeve  216  is disposed with a fastening assembly  218  which includes a fastener  220  (i.e., bolt) which operationally couples with a first fastening point  222  disposed on a first wall  227  of the sleeve  216 , and a second fastening point  224  disposed on the base assembly  204 . The sleeve  216  further defines an access point  229  disposed within the base assembly  204 . In a preferred embodiment, the access point  229  is a slot within the base assembly  204  in which the rack member  214  is operationally enabled. 
         [0060]    It is understood that the fastening assembly  218  enables the coupling of the shaft member  212  with the rack member  214 . In the current embodiment, the fastener  220  accomplishes this operational engagement by adjusting the size of the recessed area  219  defined by the sleeve  216  when the handle  206  is received within the recessed area  219 . For example, the fastener may establish the sleeve  216  in an “open” position, wherein the recessed area  219  is established in a largest diameter position. The handle  206  may be inserted within the recessed area  219  and then the fastener adjusted to reduce the diameter of the recessed area  219 . The fastener may continue this reduction until the sleeve  216  is established in a “closed” position, wherein the recessed area  219  is established in a smallest diameter position. This “closed” position couples the shaft member  212  with the rack member  214 , thereby providing for the depth adjustment capabilities of the depth adjustment mechanism of the present invention. The fastener  220  may be various devices, such as a screw, clip, pin, and the like. Further, the fastening assembly  218  may be variously implemented as a threaded assembly, compression assembly, spring-loaded assembly, latch assembly, and the like. Thus, implementation of the fastening assembly  218 , and its component features, may be accomplished by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in various ways. 
         [0061]    The sleeve  216  may be in a first “open” position when the fastener  220  is less than fully engaged with both the first and second fastening points. In this open position, the outer wall  227  is enabled in an extended position, wherein the outer wall  227  may be biased or extended away from the base assembly  204 . In the present example, the fastener  220  may be disengaged from the second fastening point  224 . It is contemplated that the “open” position may be enabled by the fastener  220  in various relative degrees of engagement with the first and second fastening points. In this open position, the handle  206  may be removed from the sleeve  216  or inserted into the sleeve  216 . The open position further establishes the shaft member  212  in a position of operational disengagement from the rack member  214  even if the handle  206  is received within the sleeve  216 . Thus, in the open position macro adjustments may be made. 
         [0062]    To establish a second “engaged” position, the handle  206  may be inserted within the sleeve  216  and the fastener  220  engaged fully with the first and second fastening points. The fastener  220 , as it proceeds to full engagement with the first and second fastening points, provides the necessary force to adjust the position of the first wall  227 , of the sleeve  216 , relative to the base assembly  204 . In the engaged position, the first wall  227  of the sleeve  216  is adjusted to a position of close proximity with the base assembly  204 , or it may be said that the first fastening point  222  is adjusted to a position of close proximity with the second fastening point  224 . Thus, the size of the recessed area  219  defined by the sleeve  216  is reduced when the engaged position is established. With the handle  206  inserted within the sleeve  216 , the reduction in the size of the recessed area defined by the sleeve  216  may force the shaft member  212  into engagement with the rack member  214 , via the access point  229 . The access point  229 , in a preferred embodiment, is a statically defined area which may remain in a similar configuration whether the depth adjustment mechanism is established in the open or engaged position. 
         [0063]    It is further contemplated that the housing  208 , similar to the handle  108 , may be enabled in various positions while received within the sleeve  216 . This enablement may be provided by various mechanisms as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a spring-loaded elbow assembly may be coupled with the shaft member  212  and enable the adjustment of the housing  208  relative to the sleeve  116 . The first wall  227  may include a mechanism for enabling the re-positioning of the housing  208  without requiring the housing  208  to be removed from the sleeve  216 . 
         [0064]    The mechanical connector  217  of the shaft member  212  extends to enable operational access to the depth adjustment mechanism. For instance, the router assembly  200  may be coupled with a router table assembly. The router assembly  200  may couple on the underside of a table of the router table assembly. The table may include a through point which allows a device, such as a key, to insert through the table and engage with the mechanical connector  217  of the shaft member  212 . Access of the tool to the mechanical connector  217  may be provided by a base access point (i.e., an aperture) defined in the base  204 . Alternative configurations for the base access point, as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art, may be employed. Thus, a user may adjust the depth of the router bit, relative to the table, by rotating the key. It is understood that various configurations of the router table assembly and the shaft member  212  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0065]    In this preferred embodiment, the base  204  is further disposed with a first knob handle  240  and a second knob handle  242 . The first and second knob handles may be removable from the base assembly. It is further understood that the knob handles may be replaced with a variety of handle apparatus, such as a post, and “L” shaped handle, and the like. The motor casing  202  further includes a first selector  244  and a second selector  246 . The first and second selectors may be used to operate the router assembly  200  by enabling an operator to provide power to a motor disposed within the motor casing  202 . Power may be provided through a standard electrical cord, a battery assembly (including re-chargeable batteries), and the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 through 15C , a third exemplary router assembly  300  comprising a motor casing  302  adjustably coupled with a base  304  and a third exemplary depth adjustment mechanism, is shown. The depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a continuous worm drive assembly enabling an operator to make both coarse “macro” and fine “micro” adjustments in the depth of cut, similar to the capabilities described previously, provided by the router assembly  300 . 
         [0067]    The worm drive assembly comprises a handle  306  including a housing  308  adjustably coupled with a rotating member  310  which is operationally coupled with a shaft member  312 . In a preferred embodiment of  FIG. 11 , a micro adjust collar  326 , similar to the micro adjust collar  120  and  226 , is operationally coupled with the housing  308 , rotating member  310  and the shaft member  312 . A first end of the shaft member  312  couples with the rotating member  310  and a second end  315  of the shaft member  312  includes a mechanical connector  317 . The mechanical connector  317  of the shaft member  312  extends to enable operational access to the depth adjustment mechanism. For instance, the router assembly  300  may be coupled with a router table assembly. The router assembly  300  may couple on the underside of a table of the router table assembly. The table may include a through point which allows a device, such as a key, to insert through the table and engage with the mechanical connector  317  of the shaft member  312 . Access of the tool to the mechanical connector  317  is provided by a base access point  390  (i.e., an aperture) defined in the base  304 . Alternative configurations for the base access point  390 , as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art, may be employed. Thus, a user may adjust the depth of the router bit, relative to the table, by rotating the key. It is understood that various configurations of the router table assembly and the shaft member  312  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0068]    In addition, the depth adjustment mechanism includes a rack member  314  which is coupled with the motor casing  302  for engaging with the shaft member  312 . It is contemplated that the rack member  314 , similar to the rack member  114  and  214 , may be removed form the motor casing  302 , enabling retrofitting of the rack member  314  with a secondary motor casing assembly or retrofitting of the motor casing  302  with a secondary rack member. The housing  308  is received within a sleeve  316  disposed upon the base  304 . 
         [0069]    The sleeve  316  defines an at least partially enclosed recessed area  319  within which the housing  308  may be inserted, similar to the defined recessed areas  119  and  219 , described above in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve defines a cylindrical recessed area  319 , extending from a first end  321  to a second end  325 , for receiving the housing  308 . The defined recessed area is for receiving the handle  306  into the sleeve  316 . Alternatively, the second end  325  may include a cover which at least partially encloses the cylindrical recessed area of the sleeve  216 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  316  defines a cylindrical recessed area on a first end  321 , for receiving the housing  308 , and a cover  323  on a second end  325  which at least partially encloses the second end  325  of the cylindrical recessed area. 
         [0070]    In this preferred embodiment, the sleeve  316  is disposed with a biasing assembly  318  which includes a biasing handle  320  coupled with a pin  327  which operationally couples with a first fastening point  322  disposed on the sleeve  316 . The first fastening point  322  is an aperture which is capable of receiving the pin  327 . The pin  327  is enabled to rotate, within the aperture, relative to the sleeve  316 , thereby, enabling rotation of the biasing handle  320 . The biasing handle  320  is coupled with the pin  327  and operationally engages with the housing  308  to establish various positions of the housing  308 , as will be described below. 
         [0071]    The location and configuration of the sleeve  316  may vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. By varying the configuration of the sleeve  316 , it is contemplated that the sleeve  316  may accommodate variously sized handles of various worm drive assemblies. The ability to change the location of the sleeve  316  may be of particular importance if design changes are being implemented to accommodate operators of the router assembly  300 , including the worm drive of the depth adjustment mechanism, based on dominant hand use. For instance, a right-hand dominant operator may prefer having the worm drive assembly in the location illustrated in  FIG. 9 , while a left-hand dominant operator may prefer the worm drive assembly be disposed on the opposite side of the motor casing assembly  304 . The housing  308  and rotating member  310 , in the exemplary embodiment, are configured in a generally semi-conical shape in order to reduce the profile and provide increased ease of use of the rotating member  310 . However, it is contemplated that the housing  308  and rotating member  310  may be designed to extend the rotating member  310  above the motor casing  302 , provide a larger grip surface, or even extend away from the motor casing  302 . 
         [0072]    In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  316  is integrated with the base  304 . However, the sleeve  316  may be enabled to be removed from the base  304  allowing the retrofitting of the sleeve  316  with secondary base units or the retrofitting of the base  304  with various secondary sleeves. This ability may enable the motor casing  302  removal from the base  304  or it may allow for the replacement of the worm drive assembly. For example, the worm drive assembly may be rendered non-functional due to damage to the housing, handle, or fastening assembly. Thus, the present invention may provide a significant advantage by allowing the operator of the router assembly to remove the damaged worm drive assembly and replace it with a new worm drive assembly. This may reduce costs if, as is typically the case with most current router designs, a damaged depth adjustment mechanism required the replacement of the entire router assembly. It is contemplated that the housing  308  of the worm drive assembly may be enabled to be pulled away from the motor casing  302  without being removed from the sleeve  316 . In such an instance, it is further contemplated that the rotating member  310  may be enabled with various secondary assemblies, such as a ratcheting assembly, thus when the rotating member  310  extends away from the motor casing  302  the operator is allowed to make depth changes utilizing limited ranges of movement. Such a ratcheting assembly may include a ratchet selector assembly enabling the operator to determine the direction of operation and correspondingly the direction of depth adjustment of the router assembly  300 . 
         [0073]    It is further contemplated that the handle  306  may be enabled in various positions while received within the sleeve  316 . This enablement may be provided by various mechanisms as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a spring-loaded elbow assembly may be coupled with the shaft member  312  and enable the adjustment of the handle  306  relative to the sleeve  316 . The feeder  318  may include a mechanism for enabling the re-positioning of the handle  306  without requiring the handle  306  to be removed from the sleeve  316 . 
         [0074]    In this preferred embodiment, the base  304  is further disposed with a first knob handle  340  and a second knob handle  342 . The first and second knob handles may be removable from the base assembly. It is further understood that the knob handles may be replaced with a variety of handle apparatus, such as a post, and “L” shaped handle, and the like. The motor casing  302  further includes a first selector  344  and a second selector  346 . The first and second selectors may be used to operate the router assembly  300  by enabling an operator to provide power to a motor disposed within the motor casing  302 . Power may be provided through a standard electrical cord, a battery assembly (including re-chargeable batteries), and the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0075]    The top plan view, illustrated in  FIG. 12 , of the router assembly  300  shows that the depth adjustment mechanism is disposed in a manner which minimizes its effect on the profile of the router assembly  300 . In this preferred embodiment, the worm drive assembly provides a profile which is within that provided by the first knob handle  340 . Further, the worm drive assembly limits the need for redesigning the motor casing  302  or the base  304 . Therefore, it is contemplated that the motor casing  302  and/or the base  304  may be modular assemblies capable of being replaced by another such modular assembly. This is particularly advantageous to the consumer of this product who may not be forced to purchase an entirely new router assembly if the motor casing  302  and/or base  304 , fail in operation. The consumer may limit any repurchase to a new modular motor casing and/or base assembly, insert it into the existing motor casing and/or base assembly, and have a working router assembly once again. 
         [0076]    The engagement of the worm drive assembly via the biasing handle  320  coupled with the sleeve  316  provides the router assembly  300  with an integrated depth adjustment mechanism. Thus, an operator of the router assembly  300  is no longer required to employ secondary or external devices in order to make depth of cut adjustments. The present invention may increase ease of use and productivity by not requiring the operator to carry and use these secondary devices. Further, the present invention may provide a significant advantage in that the operator has the ability to make both coarse and fine adjustments in cut depth using the present invention. By releasing the biasing handle  320  the operator may make coarse depth adjustments by manually adjusting the position of the motor casing  302  relative to the base  304 . Once the initial coarse setting is established the operator may engage the biasing handle  320 , thereby engaging the shaft member  312  with the rack member  314 , to enable the fine adjustment of cut depth to be made using the worm drive assembly of the present invention. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an exemplary range of movement of the biasing handle  320  in relation to the housing  308 . In a preferred embodiment, the biasing handle  320  may be established in a first (closed or locked) position, wherein the biasing handle  320  is engaged against the housing  308  or the biasing handle  320  may be in a second (open) position wherein the biasing handle  320  is not engaged against the housing  308 . It is contemplated that the number of positions enabled for the biasing handle  320  may vary as contemplated by those of skill in the art. As discussed previously, the biasing handle  320  is coupled with the pin  327  which in turn is received within the first fastening point  322 . The first fastening point  322  securely affixes the pin  327  and allows for the pin  327  to rotate relative to the housing  308  and the sleeve  316 . Thus, the range of movement of the biasing handle  320 , enabled by the pin  327  rotating within the first fastening point  322 , may be unlimited, preferably the range is between ten degrees and forty five degrees. The preferred range of movement enabling the biasing handle to be established in at least the first and second position in order to enable the functionality of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the biasing handle  320  encompasses a section of the housing  308  and does not engage the rotating member  310 . The biasing handle  320  may be of various configurations as contemplated by one of ordinary skill. 
         [0078]    When the biasing handle  320  is in the locked position, engaged against the housing  308 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , the worm drive assembly is engaged. Thus, the shaft member  312  is operably engaged or meshed with the rack member  314 . Therefore, an operator may rotate the rotating member  310 , which in turn rotates the shaft member  312  causing its position to change relative to the rack member  314 , and changing the depth of cut provided by the router assembly  300 . Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the fastening assembly  320  is shown in an open or disengaged position. The open position is evidenced by the biasing handle  320  not being engaged against the housing  308  and the shaft member  312  being spaced apart from the rack member  314 , which is disposed on the motor casing  302 . 
         [0079]    It is understood that when the worm drive assembly is in the open or disengaged position that coarse or macro depth adjustment may occur manually by the operator manually moving the motor casing  302  relative to the base  304 . Further, it is understood that the motor casing  302  may be statically positioned relative to the base  304  regardless of the engagement or disengagement of the worm drive assembly. The operation and functionality of the router assembly  300  when the worm drive assembly is disengaged, other than the ability to make fine adjustments, is not affected. In  FIG. 13  the distance traveled by the housing  308 , including the shaft member  312 , between engagement and disengagement with the rack member  314  disposed upon the motor casing  302 , is shown. The distance is narrowly limited to provide the minimum separation needed between the shaft member  312  and the rack member  314  when the worm drive assembly is disengaged. In a preferred embodiment, the available travel distance of the housing  308  including the shaft member  312  may be equivalent to the depth of the spiral threads in the shaft member  312 . 
         [0080]    It is further contemplated that the fastening assembly  318  may include a fastener  328 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The fastener  328  may engage with the pin  327  via the first fastening point  322 . The fastener  328  may promote a secure seating of the pin  327  within the first fastening point  322 . Additionally, the fastener  328  may be used to limit the range of movement of the pin  327  within the first fastening point  322 . A grip  330  is shown to be coupled with the biasing handle  320 . The grip  330  may be of various configurations and materials as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C, the worm drive assembly is shown including a lock assembly. The lock assembly includes an activator  704  coupled with a spring  706 . The spring  706  is further coupled with the biasing handle  320 . The activator  704  operably engages with a plurality of engagement receptacles  710 ,  712 , and  714 , disposed on the sleeve  316 . Thus in a preferred embodiment shown, the spring loaded activator  704  may be positioned in one of three positions. In  FIG. 15C , the activator  704  is shown engaged with the engagement receptacle  710 . This establishes a first (“open”) position for the depth adjustment mechanism, wherein the shaft member  312  is not engaged with the rack member  314 . When the activator is in this position the worm drive assembly is disengaged. A user may manually move the motor casing  302  relative to the base  304  in order to accomplish macro adjustments. In  FIG. 15B , activator  304  is shown engaged with the engagement receptacle  714 . This establishes a third (“fully engaged”) position for the depth adjustment mechanism, wherein the shaft member  312  is fully engaged with the rack member  314 . When the lock assembly is in this position the worm drive assembly is fully engaged and therefore rotation of the rotating member  310  provides the continuous metered depth adjustment capabilities of the present invention. 
         [0082]    In  FIG. 15A , the activator  704  is shown engaged with the engagement receptacle  712 . This establishes a second (“partially engaged”) position for the depth adjustment mechanism, wherein the shaft member  312  is partially engaged with the rack member  314 . When the lock assembly is in this position the worm drive assembly is in a partial engagement position. In a partial engagement position the worm drive assembly may not be enabled to provide depth adjustment through rotation of the rotating member  310 . However, the operator of the router assembly may manually adjust the depth of the router and the partial engagement of the shaft member  312  with the rack member  314  may provide a securing of the position of the motor casing  302  relative to the base  304 . In this way the router assembly is fully functional and the motor casing  302  is prevented from moving relative to the base  304 . This may be advantageous when the router assembly is in operation and a movement of the motor casing  302 , resulting in a depth adjustment of the router bit, may destroy the work being performed. 
         [0083]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 16 through 21 , a fourth exemplary router assembly  400  comprising a motor casing  402  adjustably coupled with a base  404  and a depth adjustment mechanism is shown. The depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a continuous worm drive assembly operationally engaging with a biasing assembly for enabling an operator to make both coarse “macro” and fine “micro” adjustments in the depth of cut provided by the router assembly  400 . In a preferred embodiment, the base  404  is disposed with a slotted access point  408  and a slotted assembly  410 . The slotted access point  408  enables the operation of the depth adjustment mechanism, as will be described below. The slotted assembly  410  may preferably be an aperture, defined by a first side  412  and a second side  418 , in the base  404 . The first side  412 , of the slotted assembly  410 , includes a first tab  414 , which further includes a first fastening point  416 . The second side  418 , of the slotted assembly  410 , includes a second tab  420 , which further includes a second fastening point  422 . 
         [0084]    The worm drive assembly comprises a handle  406  including a rotating member  430 , which is operationally coupled with a first end of a shaft member  432 . The shaft member  432 , shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , further includes a second end  433 . The second end  433  further includes a mechanical connector  434 . The mechanical connector  434  of the shaft member  432  extends to enable operational access to the depth adjustment mechanism. For instance, the router assembly  400  may be coupled with a router table assembly. The router assembly  400  may couple on the underside of a table of the router table assembly. The table may include a through point which allows a device, such as a key, to insert through the table and engage with the mechanical connector  434  of the shaft member  432 . Access of the tool to the mechanical connector  434  is provided by a base access point  496  (i.e., an aperture) defined in the base  404 . Alternative configurations for the base access point  496 , as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art, may be employed. Thus, a user may adjust the depth of the router bit, relative to the table, by rotating the key. It is understood that various configurations of the router table assembly and the shaft member  432  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0085]    Additionally, disposed on the shaft member  432  is a first biasing receiver  435  and a second biasing receiver  436  which may be operationally engaged by components of a biasing assembly, described below. In a preferred embodiment, a micro adjust collar  431 , similar to the micro adjust collar  120  and  226 , is operationally coupled with the rotating member  430  and the shaft member  432 . Additionally, a rack member  438  is coupled with the motor casing  402  for engaging with the shaft member  432 . It is contemplated that the rack member  438 , similar to the rack member  114  and  214 , may be removed from the motor casing  402 , enabling retrofitting of the rack member  438  with a secondary motor casing assembly or retrofitting of the motor casing  402  with a secondary rack member. In the current embodiment, the rack member  438  is disposed upon the motor casing  402  in a position which aligns it with the slotted access point  408  of the base  404 . 
         [0086]    The handle  406  is received within a sleeve  440  disposed upon the base  404 . The sleeve  440  defines an at least partially enclosed recessed area within which the housing  430  may be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  440  includes a first rib  442  and a second rib  444  which define a generally cylindrical recessed area  446 , for receiving the housing  430 . The second rib  444  may provide a partially enclosed area for engaging with the housing  430  and the second end  433  of the shaft member  432 . The generally cylindrical recessed area, established by the first and second ribs of the sleeve  440 , at least partially encompasses the slotted access point  408  disposed upon the base  404 . The shaft member  432  engages with the rack member  438  via the slotted access point  408 , when the housing  430  is received in the sleeve  440 . 
         [0087]    In this preferred embodiment, the depth adjustment mechanism further includes a biasing assembly  460 . The biasing assembly  460  includes a post member  462 , which couples through the first and second fastening point  416  and  422  of the first and second tab  414  and  420 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the post member  462  is a rod which is threaded on both a first end  463  and a second and  465 . The first end  463  inserts into and fastens within the second fastening point  422  after passing through the first fastening point  416 . Disposed along the post member  462  is a pin receiver  464 . The pin receiver  464 , in the current embodiment, is a generally cylindrically shaped aperture which provides for engagement with other components of the biasing assembly  460 , as will be described below. Coupled with the second end  465  is a fastener  466  which promotes the securing of the position of the post member  462  once inserted into the first and second fastening points. The fastener  466  couples with the post member  462  and then may engage against the first tab  414 . For instance, the fastener  466  may be a nut which may be threaded along the post member  462 , when the post member  462  has been inserted and fastened within the second fastening point  422 , until it reaches an optimum position along the post member  462 . 
         [0088]    The post member  462  is coupled with a pin  468  which operationally couples with the post member  462  through the pin receiver  464 . A first clip  469  couples with a first end  470  of the pin  468  and a second clip  471  couples with a second end  472  of the pin  468 . The first and second clips secure the position of the pin  468  relative to other components of the biasing assembly  460 , as described below. It is understood that the pin receiver  464  enables the pin  468  to rotate, within the aperture, relative to the post member  462 . 
         [0089]    The biasing assembly  460  further includes a first bracket  474  and a second bracket  469 . The first bracket  474  includes a first bracket receiver  476  disposed proximal to a first end  477  of the first bracket  474 . The first bracket  474  has a second end  478  configured to engage with the shaft member  432 . The second bracket  475  includes a second bracket receiver  479  disposed proximal to a first end  480  of the second bracket  475 . The second bracket  475  has a second end  481  configured to engage with the shaft member  432 . 
         [0090]    In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 17 through 21 , the operational engagement of the first and second brackets with the router assembly  400 , is shown. The first end  477  of the first bracket  474  is seated on a first side of both the first and second tab  414  and  420 . The first end  480  of the second bracket  475  is seated on a second side of both the first and second tab  414  and  420 . It is understood, that the preferred embodiment seats the first and second brackets on opposite sides of the first and second tabs from one another. The first bracket receiver  476  is engaged by the pin  468  which extends through the first bracket receiver  470  to engage through the second bracket receiver  479 . 
         [0091]    A biasing handle  482  includes a first end  483  and a second end  484 . The first end  483  includes a first biasing handle bracket  485  and a second biasing handle bracket  486 . The first biasing handle bracket  485  includes a first pin receiver  487  and a first biasing tab  488 . The second biasing handle bracket  486  includes a second pin receiver  489  and a second biasing tab  490 . It is contemplated that the biasing handle  482  may include a secondary tension assembly disposed on the inside wall of the first biasing handle  480 . The first and second pin receiver  487  and  489 , in a preferred embodiment, are configured as apertures through the first and second biasing handle bracket  485  and  486 . The apertures enable the pin  468  to engage through the first and second biasing handle bracket  485  and  486 , as shown in  FIGS. 17 through 21 , and couple the biasing handle  482  with the pin  468  which couples with the fastener member  462  which couples with the first and second tab  414  and  420  of the router assembly  400 . Further, the pin  468  enables the biasing handle  482  to rotate relative to the router assembly  400  and the other components of the biasing assembly  460 . This provides for the operational engagement of the biasing assembly  460  and determines the engagement of the worm drive of the depth adjustment mechanism. 
         [0092]    The biasing assembly  460  provides the force for engaging the shaft member  432  against the rack member  438 . In the exemplary embodiment, the biasing assembly  460  accomplishes this through engagement of the biasing handle  482  with the second end  478  of the first bracket  474  and second end  481  of the second bracket  475 . In operation, the biasing handle  482  may be manually engaged by an operator of the router assembly  400 . The operator may rotate the biasing handle  482  to establish the worm drive in an engaged or open position. 
         [0093]    To establish the open position, the biasing handle  482  is rotated away from the base  404 . This rotation causes the first and second biasing tab  488  and  490  to engage against the first bracket  474  and second bracket  475 , respectively. This engagement causes the first and second bracket  474  and  475  to bias away from the shaft member  432 . The second end  478  of the first bracket  474  and the second end  481  of the second bracket  475  engage with the first biasing receiver  435  and the second biasing receiver  436  of the shaft member  432 . When the first and second biasing tabs of the biasing handle  482  engage with the first and second brackets, respectively, the second ends of the first and second brackets bias away from engagement with the biasing receivers. In the open position the user may make macro adjustments to the height of the motor casing  402  relative to the base  404 . It is contemplated that the first and second biasing tab  488  and  490  may be variously configured to provide the biasing functionality. 
         [0094]    To establish the engaged position, which enables the worm drive as a functional depth adjustment mechanism, the biasing handle  482  is rotated towards the base  404  into a closed position. The closed position results in the biasing handle  482  engaging against the first and second bracket  474  and  475 . This engagement biases the first and second brackets towards the base  404  and into engagement with the first and second biasing receiver  435  and  436 , respectively, of the shaft member  432 . The engagement of the first and second bracket  474  and  475  with the first and second biasing receiver  435  and  436  imparts a force which results in the shaft member  432  meshing with the rack member  438  disposed on the motor casing  402 . 
         [0095]    It is contemplated that the biasing handle  482  may be enabled to operationally couple with a securing mechanism when in the engaged or closed position. For example, a latch assembly may be disposed on the base  404  in a position which enables it to couple with the biasing handle  482  when it is engaging against the first and second brackets. Alternatively, a receiver may be disposed on the base  404  which may be engaged by the biasing handle  482 . For example, the receiver may be a compression lock and the biasing handle  482  may be disposed with a compression clip which is located in a position to enable its engagement with the compression lock. A release mechanism may be coupled with the compression lock or included with the compression clip. For example, a push button may be included on the biasing handle  482  which is operational coupled with the compression clip and provides a release functionality when pushed. 
         [0096]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 22 through 34 , a fifth exemplary router assembly  500  comprising a motor casing  502  adjustably coupled with a base  504  and a depth adjustment mechanism  506 , is shown. The depth adjustment mechanism is enabled as a continuous worm drive assembly operationally engaging with a biasing assembly for enabling an operator to make both coarse “macro” and fine “micro” adjustments in the depth of cut provided by the router assembly  500 . In a preferred embodiment, the base  504  is disposed with a slotted access  508  and a slotted assembly  510 . The slotted access  508  enables the operation of the depth adjustment mechanism, as will be described below. The slotted assembly  510  may preferably be an aperture, defined by a first side  512  and a second side  518 , in the base  504 . The first side  512 , of the slotted assembly  510 , includes a first tab  514 , which further includes a first fastening point  516 . The second side  518 , of the slotted assembly  510 , includes a second tab  520 , which further includes a second fastening point  522 . 
         [0097]    The worm drive assembly comprises a handle  506  including a rotation member  530  operationally coupled with a first end of a shaft member  532 . The shaft member  532 , shown in  FIGS. 23 and 25 , further includes a second end  533 . Additionally, disposed on the shaft member  532  is a first biasing receiver  535  and a second biasing receiver  536  which may be operationally engaged by components of a biasing assembly, described below. In a preferred embodiment, the handle  506  further includes a micro adjust collar  531 , similar to the micro adjust collar  120 ,  226 , and  431 , and is operationally coupled with the rotation member  530  and the shaft member  532 . Additionally, a rack member  538  is coupled with the motor casing  502  for engaging with the shaft member  532 . It is contemplated that the rack member  538 , similar to the rack member  114 ,  214 , and  438 , may be removed from the motor casing  502 , enabling retro-fitting of the rack member  538  with a secondary motor casing or retrofitting of the motor casing  502  with a secondary rack member. In the current embodiment, the rack member  538  is disposed upon the motor casing  502  in a position that aligns it with the slotted access  508  of the base  504 . 
         [0098]    The handle  506  is received within a sleeve  524  disposed upon the base  504 . The sleeve  524  defines an at least partially enclosed recessed area within which the handle  506  may be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  524  includes a first rib  526  and a second rib  528  which define a generally cylindrical recessed area  529 , for receiving the handle  506 . The second rib  528  may, in alternative embodiments, provide a partially enclosed area for engaging with the handle  506  and the second end  533  of the shaft member  532 . The generally cylindrical recessed area  529 , established by the first and second ribs of the sleeve  524 , at least partially encompasses the slotted access  508  disposed upon the base  504 . The shaft member  532  is enabled to engage with the rack member  538  via the slotted access  508 , when the handle  506  is received in the sleeve  524 . 
         [0099]    In a preferred embodiment, the depth adjustment mechanism further includes a biasing assembly  550 . The biasing assembly  550  includes a post member  552 , which couples through the first and second fastening point  516  and  522  of the first and second tab  514  and  520 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the post member  552  is a rod which is threaded on both a first end  553  and a second end  555 . The first end  553  inserts into and fastens within the second fastening point  522  after passing through the first fastening point  516 . Disposed along the post member  552  is a pin receiver  554 . The pin receiver  554 , in the current embodiment, is a generally cylindrically shaped aperture which provides for engagement with other components of the biasing assembly  550 , as will be described below. Coupled with the second end  555  is a fastener  556  which promotes the securing of the position of the post member  552  once inserted into the first and second fastening points. The fastener  556  couples with the post member  552  and then may engage against the first tab  514 . For instance, the fastener  556  may be a nut which may be threaded along the post member  552 , when the post member  552  has been inserted and fastened within the second fastening point  522 , until it reaches an optimum position along the post member  552 . 
         [0100]    The post member  552  is coupled with a pin  558 , which operationally couples with the post member  552  through the pin receiver  554 . A first clip  559  couples with a first end  560  of the pin  558  and a second clip  561  couples with a second end  562  of the pin  468 . The first and second clips secure the position of the pin  558  relative to other components of the biasing assembly  550 , as described below. It is understood that the pin receiver  554  enables the pin  558  to rotate, within the aperture, relative to the post member  552 . 
         [0101]    The biasing assembly  550  further includes a first bracket  564  and a second bracket  559 . The first bracket  564  includes a first bracket receiver  566  disposed proximal to a first end  567  of the first bracket  564 . The first bracket  564  has a second end  568  configured to engage with the shaft member  532 . The second bracket  565  includes a second bracket receiver  569  disposed proximal to a first end  570  of the second bracket  565 . The second bracket  565  has a second end  571  configured to engage with the shaft member  532 . 
         [0102]    In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 24 through 28 , the operational engagement of the first and second brackets with the router assembly  500 , is shown. The first end  567  of the first bracket  564  is seated on a first side of both the first and second tab  514  and  520 . The first end  570  of the second bracket  565  is seated on a second side of both the first and second tab  514  and  520 . It is understood, that the preferred embodiment seats the first and second brackets on opposite sides of the first and second tabs from one another. The first bracket receiver  566  is engaged by the pin  558 , which extends through the first bracket receiver  560  to engage through the second bracket receiver  569 . 
         [0103]    A biasing handle  572  includes a first end  573  and a second end  574 . The first end  573  includes a first biasing handle bracket  575  and a second biasing handle bracket  576 . The first biasing handle bracket  575  includes a first pin receiver  577  and a first biasing tab  578 . The second biasing handle bracket  576  includes a second pin receiver  579  and a second biasing tab  580 . It is contemplated that the biasing handle  572  may include a secondary tension assembly disposed on the inside wall of the first biasing handle  572 . The first and second pin receiver  577  and  579 , in a preferred embodiment, are configured as apertures through the first and second biasing handle bracket  575  and  576 . The apertures enable the pin  558  to engage through the first and second biasing handle bracket  575  and  576 , as shown in  FIGS. 23 through 28 , and couple the biasing handle  572  with the pin  558  which couples with the fastener member  552  which couples with the first and second tab  514  and  520  of the router assembly  500 . Further, the pin  558  enables the biasing handle  572  to rotate relative to the router assembly  500 . This provides for the operational engagement of the biasing assembly  550  and determines the engagement of the worm drive of the depth adjustment mechanism. 
         [0104]    It is contemplated that the biasing handle  572  may be enabled to operationally couple with a securing mechanism. For example, a latch assembly may be disposed on the base  504  in a position which enables it to couple with the biasing handle  572  when it is engaging against the first and second brackets. Alternatively, a receiver may be disposed on the base  504  which may be engaged by the biasing handle  572 . For example, the receiver may be a compression lock and the biasing handle  572  may be disposed with a compression clip which is located in a position to enable its engagement with the compression lock. A release mechanism may be coupled with the compression lock or included with the compression clip. For example, a push button may be included on the biasing handle  572  which is operational coupled with the compression clip and provides a release functionality when pushed. 
         [0105]    The biasing assembly  550 , disposed on the router assembly  500 , further includes a second biasing handle  580 . The second biasing handle  580  includes a first end  581  and a second end  582 . The second end  582  may be operationally engaged by a user of the router assembly  500 . The first end  581  couples with the second tab  520  using a first fastener  585  and a second fastener  586 . The first and second fasteners insert through a first biasing fastening point  583  and a second biasing fastening point  584 , to engage with a first fastening point  521  and a second fastening point  523  disposed on the second tab  520 . The first and second fasteners operationally engage with the second biasing handle  580  and the second tab  520  to secure the position of the first end  581  of the second biasing handle  580 . In the exemplary embodiment, the second biasing handle  580  further includes a tensioning assembly comprising a first tension bracket  588  and a second tension bracket  589 . The first tension bracket  588  and the second tension bracket  589  operationally engage with the shaft member  532  of the handle  506 , in operation. In a preferred embodiment, the first tension bracket  588  may engage against the first biasing receiver  535  and the second tension bracket  589  may engage against the second biasing receiver  536 . It is contemplated that the tensioning assembly of the second biasing handle  580  may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0106]    It is contemplated that the second biasing handle  580  may be enabled to operationally couple with a securing mechanism. For example, a latch assembly may be disposed on the base  504  in a position which enables it to couple with the second biasing handle  580  when it is engaging against the first and second brackets. Alternatively, a receiver may be disposed on the base  504  which may be engaged by the second biasing handle  580 . For example, the receiver may be a compression lock and the second biasing handle  580  may be disposed with a compression clip which is located in a position to enable its engagement with the compression lock. A release mechanism may be coupled with the compression lock or included with the compression clip. For example, a push button may be included on the second biasing handle  580  which is operational coupled with the compression clip and provides a release functionality when pushed. 
         [0107]    The biasing assembly  550  provides the force for engaging the shaft member  532  against the rack member  538 . In the exemplary embodiment, the biasing assembly  550  accomplishes this through engagement of the first biasing handle  572  with the second biasing handle  580 . In operation, the first biasing handle  572  and second biasing handle  580  may be manually engaged by an operator of the router assembly  500 . The operator may rotate the first biasing handle  572  to establish the worm drive in an engaged or open position. The second biasing handle  580  may be enabled to rotate, however, in the current embodiment the second biasing handle  580  is secured in position by the first and second fasteners  585  and  586 . It is contemplated that the first and second fasteners may enable a limited range of movement. 
         [0108]    To establish the open position, the first biasing handle  572  is rotated away from the base  504 . This rotation releases the force the first biasing handle  572  applies against the second biasing handle  580 . Thus, the second biasing handle  580  is enabled to extend away from the first and second biasing receiver  535  and  536  of the handle  506 . The rotation of the first biasing handle  572  further causes the first and second biasing tab  578  and  580  to engage against the first bracket  564  and second bracket  565 , respectively This engagement causes the first and second bracket  564  and  565  to bias away from the shaft member  532 . The second end  573  of the first bracket  564  and the second end  576  of the second bracket  565  engage with the first biasing receiver  535  and the second biasing receiver  536  of the shaft member  532 . When the first and second biasing tabs of the biasing handle  572  engage with the first and second brackets, respectively, the second ends of the first and second brackets bias away from engagement with the biasing receivers and force the second biasing handle  580  away from the base  504 . 
         [0109]    To establish the engaged position, which enables the worm drive as a functional depth adjustment mechanism, the second biasing handle  580  and the first biasing handle  572  are rotated towards the base  504  into a closed position. The first biasing handle  572  is rotated to a closed position, which results in the first biasing handle  572  applying a force against the second biasing handle  580 . This engagement biases the first and second biasing brackets  588  and  589  towards the base  504  and into engagement with the first and second biasing receiver  535  and  536 , respectively, of the shaft member  532 . The engagement of the first and second biasing bracket  588  and  589  with the first and second biasing receiver  535  and  536  imparts a force which results in the shaft member  532  meshing with the rack member  538  disposed on the motor casing assembly  502 . 
         [0110]      FIGS. 31 and 32 , show the router assembly  500  of the present invention with the worm drive assembly engaged placing the motor casing  502  in various positions relative to the base  504 . In  FIG. 31  the router assembly  500  is shown in a raised first position. This is exemplified by the appearance of the spindle and collet assembly  511  (router bit engagement assembly) above the base  504 . It is understood that the shaft member  532  is engaged with the rack member  538  and may leave open threads of the rack member  538  above the threads of the shaft member  532 . In  FIG. 32  the router assembly  500  is in a lowered second position. This is exemplified by the spindle and collet assembly  511  being partially hidden from view by the base  504 . In this position a bit is enabled to provide a deeper cut into a work piece than that provided if the bit was so engaged and the router assembly  500  was in the first raised position shown in  FIG. 31 . It is understood that the second lowered position of  FIG. 32  may leave open threads of the rack member  538  below the threads of the shaft member  532 . 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a router table assembly  600  is shown. The router table assembly  600  includes a router table  602  coupled with the router assembly  500 . Alternatively, the router table assembly  600  may operationally engage the router assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300  or  400 . The router assembly  500  is comprised of the motor casing  502 , at least partially encompassing the motor which couples with the spindle and collet assembly (bit engagement assembly)  511 , coupled with the base  504 . The depth adjustment mechanism engages via the sleeve  524  to provide its operational capabilities. 
         [0112]    The mechanical connection  534  may be accessed by a tool  632 . The tool  632  may be a variety of devices, such as an Allen wrench, a screw driver, socket wrench, and the like. The mechanical connection  534  may be rotated by the tool  632  which in turn rotates the spirally threaded shaft  532 , which if engaged with the rack member  538 , causes the motor casing  502  to move relative to the base  504 . Access of the tool  632  to the mechanical connection  534  is provided by a base access point  590  (i.e., an aperture) defined in the base  504  and a table access point  634  (i.e., a second aperture) defined in the router table  602 . In this way an operator of the router table assembly  600  may make depth adjustments of the bit  612  without having to remove the router assembly  500  from the router table  602 .  FIG. 34  is an expanded view of the router table assembly  600 . Additionally, it is seen that rotation of the tool  632  may occur in either direction, which causes the spirally threaded shaft  632  to turn in either direction. The direction of rotation of the tool  632  causes a concomitant raising or lowering of the bit  612  relative to the router table  602 . 
         [0113]    It is understood that various features of the present invention may be modified to promote the effectiveness of providing the continuous metered depth adjustment capability. For example, the configuration of the handles and housings  108 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 , and  506  may vary to promote efficient use and user comfort. The handles and housings may be increased or decreased in length and/or width. For instance, the handle/housing may be extended above the motor casing. Further, the user engaged rotator members may be enlarged or reduced in size. Various grip contouring and materials may be employed to promote comfort and ease of use. The micro adjust collars may be re-configured to include larger markings to promote easier visual ascertainment of the indicators on the collars. There may be a concomitant increase or reduction in the size of the shaft members and rack members to correspond with any configuration changes made in other features of the handles/housings. 
         [0114]    It is contemplated that the sleeves which receive the handles housings may be similarly re-configured to enable the operational functionality of the depth adjustment assemblies and router assemblies of the present invention. Additionally, the sleeves may promote the functionality of the depth adjustment mechanism by having a shaft member disposed within. Thus, a user may engage the rotator member and micro adjust collar, and/or housing with the shaft member. The user may then disengage from the shaft member and remove the other component features. This may promote the prevention of damage to the depth adjustment mechanism. It is further contemplated that the sleeves may be removed from the bases through the use of mechanisms which allow the sleeves to securely connect with the bases and then be removed. This may be accomplished by various mechanisms, such as a compression lock system and the like. The sleeve may be integrated with the handles/housings becoming a single unit of component features. Thus, the sleeve and the other component features may be removed entirely from the router assembly. This may be advantageous in promoting the prevention of damage to these component features and the sleeve. Further, it may provide an aesthetic appeal to users who may wish to employ the depth adjusting capabilities of the present invention on a temporary basis and wish to be able to remove the features when they are not be employed. 
         [0115]    The mechanical connectors  117 ,  217 ,  317 ,  434 , and  534  may promote adjustments of the depth of a router bit coupled with the router assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 , respectively. This may be accomplished through engagement with the mechanical connectors. In a preferred embodiments, the mechanical connectors are generally configured in a hexagonal rod form and disposed on the end of the shaft members of the router assemblies  100  through  500 . The user of the present invention may engage a wrench against the hex rods and through rotation of the hex rods cause the shaft members to rotate. The rotation of the spirally threaded shaft members causes its displacement along the length of the threaded members. Therefore, depending on the direction of rotation of the hex rods the spirally threaded shaft members may be moved up the rack members or down the rack members. When the shaft members are displaced up their rack members, the motor casings are displaced vertically away from the base&#39;s with which they are adjustably coupled. This has the effect of raising the router bit vertically which results in a shallower depth of cut provided when employing the router assembly. When the shaft members are displaced down their rack members, the motor casings are displaced vertically down into the base&#39;s with which they are adjustably coupled. This has the effect of lowering the router bit vertically which results in a deeper depth of cut provided when employing the router assembly. It is understood that alternate depth adjustment systems may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, a ratchet system or latch system may be employed to enable the continuous metered adjustment capability of the present invention. 
         [0116]    In alternative embodiments, the mechanical connectors may be variously configured. For example, the mechanical connectors may be a hex head, so that the mechanical connectors, of the shaft members, are accessible and may be engaged by a hand tool, i.e., an open end box wrench or the like. 
         [0117]    It is further understood that the biasing handles  320 ,  482 ,  572 , and  580  may be configured in various alternative manners. The handles may be extended or shortened in length. The handles may include grip regions which may include contoured surfacing and or grips to promote user comfort. The handles  320 ,  482 , and  572  may include biasing brackets to promote effective engagement of the shaft members with the rack members. The biasing brackets, including those disposed on the second biasing handle  580 , may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0118]    The first and second brackets  474  and  475  and the first and second brackets  564  and  565  are optimally configured to promote the operation of the worm drive. It is contemplated that these brackets may include various design modifications to further promote their functionality. For example, the second ends of these brackets may include a secondary tension mechanism which provides additional force for the operational engagement of the components of the worm drive. The brackets may be extended or shortened in length to accommodate the needs of users and manufacturers. 
         [0119]    It is understood that the rack member  114 ,  214 ,  314 ,  438 , and  538  may be variously alternatively configured to enable the functionality of the present invention. For example, the rack members may be integral with the motor casings, secured in place via a welding process, adhering process, molding process, and the like. In a still further embodiment, it is contemplated that the rack members may be established as a series of slots within the motor casings. The slots being configured for engagement by the shaft member of the worm drive assembly. Thus, the motor casings may be established with a necessary feature for enabling the worm drive assemblies of the depth adjustment mechanisms of the present invention. 
         [0120]    In the previous exemplary embodiments, of  FIGS. 1 through 34 , the handle  108 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 , and  506  of the present invention has been described as comprising various component features. These various component features have been functionally established in relation with one another to enable the capabilities of the present invention. It is contemplated that the various component features of the handle may be configured and coupled with one another in a variety of ways. For instance, the shaft members may be established as multiple pieces coupled together. For example, the shaft members may include a shaft which is coupled with a threaded member and a mechanical connector. This three piece arrangement may provide similar functional capabilities for the depth adjustment mechanisms, as described throughout the instant specification. It is understood that the mechanical connector may not be required to provide the worm drive functionality of the depth adjustment mechanism. 
         [0121]    The sleeves established for the exemplary embodiments described herein in reference to  FIGS. 1 through 34 , may be variously configured to accommodate differently configured handles. For example, when the handle includes a shaft, as described above, the sleeve may be established as a housing with a first and second end with each end including a receiving point (i.e., aperture) through the end for the shaft to be inserted through. In this embodiment, the threaded member may be disposed between the first and second ends and at least partially encompassed by the housing. Alternatively, the sleeve may be established with a first and second rib, as shown in  FIGS. 17 through 34 . The ribs may be generally configured as disks with a receiver. The receiver may be an aperture which extends through the disk allowing the shaft to be inserted through the receiver and the disk. 
         [0122]    It is further contemplated that the sleeves may enable the handle and/or various components which comprise the handle to be adjusted relative to the sleeve and the motor casing. For example, the sleeve may include a spring assembly which engages against the handle providing a force against the handle. The spring assembly may assist in promoting the engagement of the shaft member with the rack member. Further, the user may bias the spring assembly, thereby, moving the shaft member away from engagement with the rack member. The amount of movement enabled by the spring assembly may vary to accommodate different needs. It is understood that the adjustment capabilities provided via the sleeve may be enabled using various mechanisms as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0123]    In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve may be enabled with adjustment capabilities relative to the base and motor casing of the router assembly. This adjustment capability may be enabled using various mechanisms, such as a spring-loaded mechanism, latch mechanism, compression mechanism, and the like. The adjustment may result in the sleeve be biased away from the base and motor casing when the depth adjustment mechanism is not in use and biased towards the base and motor casing when the depth adjustment mechanism is to be used. This adjustment capability may enable the sleeve to pivot relative to the base and motor casing. This may enable the handle, when inserted within the sleeve, to disengage the shaft member from the rack member. This disengagement may be a partial or full disengagement and may allow for partial depth adjustment capabilities and the removal of the handle from within the sleeve. It is contemplated that the sleeve may also be enabled to rotate away from the base and motor casing of the router assembly. The rotation enabling the user to further determine the operation of the depth adjustment mechanism, as previously described. The positioning of the sleeve relative to the base and motor casing may be enabled in plural. Thus, the sleeve may provide user selectable positions for the sleeve, which may accommodate varying needs of different users. 
         [0124]    The first and second brackets  474  and  475  of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16 through 21 , and first and second brackets  564  and  565  of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22 through 34 , may be variously configured. For instance, with the handle configured as a multiple piece assembly including a shaft, the brackets may include a shaft receiver for engaging with the shaft. The shaft receivers may be apertures through the brackets, through which the shaft may be inserted. 
         [0125]      FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C illustrate an exemplary embodiment, of the router assembly  300 , for establishing the depth adjustment mechanism in various positions, i.e., fully engaged, partially engaged, and fully disengaged. It is contemplated that the other exemplary embodiments of the router assembly  100 ,  200 ,  400 , and  500  may be similarly enabled to establish the depth adjustment mechanisms in various positions. Further, other systems may be employed to enable the positioning functionality, described in  FIGS. 15A through 15C , for the router assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 , such as a friction fit system, compression system, and the like. Alternatively, the positioning functionality enabled for the router assemblies of the present invention may be enabled to establish different positioning capabilities than those described. For instance, the depth adjustment mechanism may only be able to be established in a first fully disengaged position and a second fully engaged position. In another instance, the depth adjustment mechanism may provide for four or more positions to be established in enabling the functionality of the present invention. 
         [0126]    It is further contemplated that a handle extension member may be coupled with the handle  108 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 , and  506 , of the present invention. The handle extension member may provide a grasping region for the user of the router assembly employing the depth adjustment mechanism of the present invention, which is extended from the handle. The extension may be a relatively planar extended member of may be established in various angles relative to the handle. The handle extension member may be removed from the handle or be integral with the handle. The handle extension member may be pivotally coupled with the handle in order to adjust the relative orientation of the handle extension member with respect to the handle and other components of the router assembly. 
         [0127]    A method of providing continuous metered depth adjustment capabilities to a router, for the adjustment of a router bit, is shown in  FIG. 35 . The user in step  3502  first selects a router assembly which is enabled with the depth adjustment mechanism of the present invention. Then the user in step  3504  determines the type of depth adjustment they wish to make. The user may select to make a macro adjustment and then proceed to step  3506  where the user disengages the depth adjustment mechanism in order to manually adjust the position of the motor casing relative to the base. Alternatively, the user may select to make a micro adjustment and then proceed to step  3508 . In step  3508  the user engages the depth adjustment mechanism and through rotational movement of the shaft member engaged against the rack member, the depth of the cut to be established by the router bit is determined. After the user has established the functional position of the router in step  3506  or  3508  then, in step  3510  the user may proceed with commencing the operation of the router. 
         [0128]    It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The accompanying method claim presents elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
         [0129]    It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.