Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a quick attach and detach mechanism for a tool attachment such as a router attachment for a router. The attachment system includes a mounting adapter which may be integrally formed with the router housing or attached to the router housing as a bolt-on plate. The system works by vertically installing the tool attachment with the mounting adapter and then twisting to secure the tool attachment to the mounting adapter. A rotational lock is provided to prevent the tool attachment from inadvertently backing off or coming loose. This lock can be manually actuated to allow for quick detachment when desired. The tool attachment system is shown in association with a router which has several disclosed benefits, however there may also be applications of the system in other types of tool attachments for which coverage is also sought.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/291,238, filed Nov. 8, 2002, pending, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/777,016, filed Feb. 11, 2004, pending, and through these applications claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/344,570, filed Nov. 9, 2001; 60/446,871, filed Feb. 12, 2003, 60/505,275, filed Sep. 23, 2003, and 60/530,701, filed Dec. 15, 2003. This application combines the disclosures of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/291,238 and 10/777,016 set forth above. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to tools and more particularly to tool attachment systems and methods for attaching and detaching tool attachments.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A router is a well known rotary cutting tool for routing a workpiece. Typically a router has a rotating bit which extends through a router base. At times it is desired to utilize a tool attachment such as a guide bushing, having a cylindrical extension, spaced around the bit, to guide the router along a template wall. The diameter of the cylindrical extension determines the distance between the bit and the template wall, which determines the resultant pattern.  
         [0004]     Typically a guide bushing is attached to a router base by first attaching an adapter plate to the router base, and then attaching the desired guide bushing to the adapter plate, typically by fastening the bushing to the adapter plate. However, because adapter plates for particular router models and manufacturers typically have their own unique bolt patterns, retailers must stock many models of adapter plates and guide bushings.  
         [0005]     The present invention is directed toward improvements over the prior art, which are particularly applicable to routers, and that may also have application to other forms of tool attachments.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention has several aspects which are herein sought to be protected. In general, the present invention is directed toward a tool attachment and system and method for providing for quick attachment and detachment of such tool attachments, while also reliably securing and locating the tool attachment.  
         [0007]     According to one aspect of the invention, a tool attachment is provided for mounting to a mounting adapter along a tool axis in which the mounting adapter includes an annular mounting surface and a plurality of mounting flanges angularly spaced about the axis. The tool attachment comprises an attachment housing having a generally circular attachment surface that is sized and configured to mate with the annular mounting surface of the mounting adapter. A plurality of attachment flanges project radially from the attachment housing along the attachment surface. These attachment flanges are arranged in a common plane generally perpendicular to the axis and are angularly spaced about the axis. The spacing between attachment flanges forms a plurality of gaps between adjacent pairs of the attachment flanges which provide sufficient clearance to receive the mounting flanges of the mounting adapter through these gaps.  
         [0008]     Another aspect of this invention is directed toward a new method of releasably attaching a tool attachment to a mounting adapter about an axis. The method is directed toward a mounting adapter with an annular mounting surface and a tool attachment with an annular attachment surface. According to the method, the tool attachment is installed onto the mounting adapter along the axis to facilitate engagement between the first and second attachment service in a first direction along the axis. Relative rotation between the mounting adapter and the tool attachment is conducted to cause interlocking engagement between corresponding end flanges along the first and second attachment surfaces. This provides for retention of the tool attachment to the mounting adapter in a second opposite axial direction. Thereafter, the mounting adapter and the tool attachment are rotationally locked.  
         [0009]     The present invention is thought to have particular application and advantages in router applications and therefore certain claims are directed toward such router attachment systems. According to this aspect, a mounting adapter is provided along an end face of a router housing in which the mounting adapter includes an annular mounting surface. A router attachment is provided that has an attachment housing with an annular attachment surface that mates with the annular mounting surface. The router attachment is rotatable between a release position and an attached position. The router attachment is removable from the mounting adapter in the release position and vertically engages the mounting adapter in opposing axial directions in the attached position. A lock is provided which locks the router attachment to the mounting adapter in the attached position to prevent relative rotation between the two components. The lock is subject to manual actuation to allow rotation between the router attachment and the mounting adapter to allow for detachment of the router attachment from the mounting adapter.  
         [0010]     A further aspect of the invention is directed toward the router attachment system for a router comprises a mounting adapter plate that has a plurality of bolt holes and a central hole adapted for communicating the spindle of the rotor therethrough when the mounting adapter plate is mounted to the rotor housing. The bolt holes facilitate mounting of the mounting adapter to the router housing via a fastening operation. A router attachment is provided that is adapted to position the router. The router attachment attaches and detaches from the mounting adapter plate without bolts or fasteners. The rotor attachment is vertically and rotationally secured to the mounting adapter plate through engagement when attached to the mounting plate to prevent movement therebetween.  
         [0011]     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a universal router guide bushing of the present invention, attached to a router;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first step in aligning the universal router guide bushing of  FIG. 1 , with a chuck of a first dimension;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a first step in aligning the universal router guide bushing of  FIG. 1 , with a chuck of a second dimension;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a second step in aligning the universal router guide bushing of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a third step in aligning the universal router guide bushing of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an adapter plate of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a guide bushing of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the guide bushing of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the guide bushing of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the guide bushing of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a partial view of the adapter plate; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a centering pin of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is an isometric top view of an adjustable router guide attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is an isometric bottom view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side profile view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 , with a router attached thereto.  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 , with a router attached thereto.  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is an end view of the rail used is the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is an exploded isometric assembly view for the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a side profile view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 , with a router attached thereto, being used as an edge guide.  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side profile view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 , with a router attached thereto, being used as a circle compass.  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is a side profile view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 , with a router attached thereto shown in dashed lines, with opposed ends of the rail clamped such that the rail is being used as a linear sliding guide.  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of the collar of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 19 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 25  is an isometric top side view of an adjustable router guide attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is an isometric bottom side view of the adjustable router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is an exploded isometric assembly view of the router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 28  is another exploded isometric assembly view of the router guide attachment shown in  FIG. 25 , but with this illustration being shown from the bottom side.  
         [0040]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the router guide attachment better showing the configuration and operation of the spring loaded actuator mechanism.  
         [0041]      FIG. 30  is a top view of the router guide attachment.  
         [0042]      FIG. 31  is an end view of the router guide attachment.  
         [0043]      FIG. 32  is a bottom view of the router guide attachment.  
         [0044]      FIG. 33  is an isometric exploded view showing how the router guide attachment is mounted to a router.  
         [0045]      FIG. 34  is a view similar to  FIG. 33  except the mounting plate is shown integral with the router.  
         [0046]      FIG. 35  is an enlarged cross-section of the mounting plate and collar portion to better illustrate vertical retention of the mounting plate to the attachment housing.  
         [0047]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, with fitted, movable template and guide bar adjustable in the X-direction and Y-direction.  
         [0048]      FIG. 37  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, with examples of pattern cutouts in the movable template.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 38-43  are a selection of combination milling patterns and variants for the use of the sample pattern cutouts according to  FIG. 37  of the milling system according to the present invention, while still using the guide bar adjustable in the X-direction and Y-direction according to  FIG. 36 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 44  is a top view of an additional, preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, with additional examples of sample cutouts in the movable template.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 45-50  are a selection of milling pattern combinations and variants for the use of the pattern cutout examples according to  FIG. 44  of the milling system according to the present invention.  
         [0052]      FIG. 51  is a top view of an additional embodiment of a milling system with movable template in a base plate and also an alternative locking means.  
         [0053]      FIG. 52  is a top view of a milling system with movable template, in which, in turn, one or more movable templates are installed.  
         [0054]      FIG. 53  is a top view of a milling system with movable template, in which, in turn, one or more rectangular movable templates are installed, in which, again in turn, a movable template has been installed.  
         [0055]      FIG. 54  is a top view of a rectangular milling system with movable, rectangular template, in which, in turn, a movable template has been installed.  
         [0056]      FIG. 55  is a top view of a milling system with movable, rectangular template.  
         [0057]      FIG. 56  is a top view of an additional embodiment of a milling system with movable template in a base plate, and also an additional, alternative locking means.  
         [0058]      FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a milling system according to the invention.  
         [0059]      FIG. 58  is a perspective view of a baseplate of the milling system of  FIG. 57 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 59  is a perspective view of an upper side of a template of the milling system of  FIG. 57 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a lower side of the template of the milling system of  FIG. 57 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 60   a  is a perspective view of a pencil guide in accordance with the invention.  
         [0063]      FIG. 61  is a perspective view of a system for vertically supporting a rotary tool in accordance with the invention.  
         [0064]      FIG. 62  is a perspective view of a baseplate of the system of  FIG. 61 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 63  is a perspective view of a tool support of the system of  FIG. 61 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 64  is a perspective view of the tool support of  FIG. 63 , from its underside.  
         [0067]      FIG. 65  is a perspective view of a guide bushing of the tool support of  FIG. 64 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 66  is a perspective view of a portion of a base of the tool support of  FIG. 64 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0069]     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail various embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.  
         [0070]     A universal router bushing adapter, generally designated  10 , for permitting attachment of a router guide bushing  12  to any of a plurality of routers, such as router  14 , is illustrated in the  FIGS. 1-13 . The router guide bushing has a cylindrical extension  13 . The adapter  10  comprises an adapter plate  18  having a plurality of mounting apertures  22  corresponding to mounting apertures of the plurality of spring-biased router base plates, such as base plate  23 .  
         [0071]     The adapter  10  further includes a centering bit  26  having a first end  26   a  dimensioned for insertion into a router chuck  28 . The router chuck  28  is dimensioned to receive a bit of a first dimension, such as ¼ inch. The centering bit  26  further includes a first centering portion  26   b  spaced from the first end  26   a . The first centering portion  26   b  is in the form of a frustum. The first centering portion  26   b  is generally solid.  
         [0072]     For use with a router having a chuck dimensioned to receive a bit of a second dimension, such as ½ inch, the centering bit  26  also includes a second end  26   c  dimensioned for insertion into the second dimensioned chuck. The centering bit also includes a second centering portion  26   d  spaced from the second end  26   d . The second centering portion  26   e  is in the form of a frustum.  
         [0073]     The adapter plate  18  includes a central aperture surface  18   a  defining a central aperture  38 . The adapter plate  18  further includes three lips  40  disposed along the central aperture surface  18   a  to engage three respective cooperative tapered lips  44  on the guide bushing  12 . Each of the tapered lips  40  includes a protrusion  40   a  ( FIG. 12 ) to engage a cooperative recess  44   a  ( FIG. 9 ) on a respective one of the guide bushing tapered lips  44 . This provides a form of rotational lock that can be manually locked and unlocked.  
         [0074]     To mount the guide bushing  12  to the router base plate  23 , first the guide bushing  12  is secured to the adapter plate  18  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The adapter plate  18  is then loosely attached to the router base  23  with a plurality of screws  46 . The centering bit  26  is provided and its first end  26   a  is secured in the chuck. The base plate is biased by three springs  48 . The spring biased base plate  23  is then depressed ( FIG. 5 ), causing the centering portion of the centering bit  26  to enter the guide bushing  12  to center the guide bushing  12  relative to the centering pin  26 . The adapter plate  18  is then secured to the base plate  23  by tightening the screws  46 .  
         [0075]     The router guide bushing  12  includes four apertures  12   a , for improved visibility. Two of the apertures  12   a  are smaller, to provide space for indicia  12   b , indicative of the diameter of the cylindrical extension  13 .  
         [0076]     With the present invention, retailers no longer must stock guide bushings for many different base plate configurations. Rather, all they need do is stock the universal adapter plate, and guide bushings for the universal adapter plate. Additionally, once the adapter plate  18  is in place on the router  14 , other guide bushings  12 , having different cylindrical extension diameters, can be readily interchanged.  
         [0077]     Turning to a second embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable router guide attachment  110  for a router  111  is shown in the  FIGS. 14-22 . The attachment  110  generally includes a router mounting adapter  112 , a rail  114 , a center pilot member  116 , and a edge guide assembly  118 .  
         [0078]     The router mounting adapter  112  preferably comprises a quick attachment and release type of adapter as shown, which may comprise a locking and release mechanism that may be similar to that disclosed and taught in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/446,871, entitled “Universal Router Guide Bushing Adapter And Method” filed on Feb. 12, 2003, and as such the entire disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. The router mounting adapter  112  includes a collar  120  and a mounting plate  122 , both of which may be formed of plastic material, or cast from metal material for heavier duty construction. The mounting plate  122  includes bolt holes that facilitate bolting of the mounting plate  122  to the end face of the router  111  generally concentric or coaxial about the router&#39;s spindle.  
         [0079]     The mounting plate  122  includes retainers in the form of angularly spaced threads  124  on the outer periphery thereof, which are received by corresponding retainers in the form of angularly spaced threads  126  on the inner periphery of the collar  120 . Engagement of the threads  124 ,  126  or other suitable form of retainers, provides for axial retention. In addition, a rotational lock  128  is provided between the collar  120  and the plate  122 , which may comprise a movable catch or latch  130  which may be loaded via a spring  132  to releasably lock into a corresponding stop  134  such as a thread end face, snag or divot. In this embodiment, the spring loaded latch  130  is mounted to the collar  120 , while the end stop  134  (and preferably multiple end stops  134  are provided to allow for different angular orientations although only one stop surface is needed for rotational locking) is formed in a corresponding location along the radial periphery mounting plate  122 . By rotating the mounting plate  122  relative to the collar  120 , the mounting plate  122  (and thereby the router  111 ) is removably and releasably secured to the collar  120  to provide for quick attachment and detachment of the router guide attachment  110 .  
         [0080]     It will be appreciated that the plate  122  may not be sold as part of the adjustable router guide attachment  110 , since this plate  122  may be integrated into the end face of the router  111  rather than provided as a separate plate. Also, the plate may be provided from another application, e.g., such a bushing guide, and therefore another plate may not need to be provided, but only the collar  120  which interfaces and releasably locks with the plate  122 . Also, the mounting adapter could take other forms such as bolting or otherwise securing the rail directly to router, but such alternatives are less preferred.  
         [0081]     The collar  120  has a projecting mounting flange  136  to which the rail  114  is mounted  136 . The rail  114  may be formed as an aluminum extruded member with dovetail or other locking type grooves  138  on opposed sides. Plastic end caps  140  may cover ends of the rail  114 . To mount the mounting flange  136  of the collar  120  to rail  114 , a dovetail slidable bar segment  142  is provided, which is an assembly of upper and lower component parts  142   a ,  142   b  is provided.  
         [0082]     Each component part  142   a ,  142   b  of the bar segment  142  includes a dovetail profile  146  that is adapted to slide linearly within the dovetail groove  138  of the rail  114 . The bar segment  142  includes a vertically extending shaft  144  (e.g. the threaded shaft of a bolt retained by the lower component) that is received through a corresponding hole  152  in the mounting flange  136 . The top face of the slidable bar segment includes a pair of perpendicularly intersecting slots  148 ,  150  in the shape of a cross. The mounting flange  136  includes a complementary block portion  154  projecting vertically that is received into either of the slots  148 ,  150 . To secure the collar  120 , the mounting flange  136  is arranged on the bar segment  142 , with the threaded shaft  144  projecting through the hole  152  and the block portion  154  received in one of the complementary slots  148 ,  150 . A thumb screw  156  is threaded on the shaft  144  to attach the collar  120  and tightened to fix the position of the collar  120  relative to the rail  114 . In particular, when the thumb screw  156  is not tightened down, the bar segment  142  and therefore the collar  120  may be linearly movable relative to the rail  114  through sliding contact between complimentary dovetail surfaces. However, when the thumb screw  156  is tightened, the upper segment component part  142   a  is forced downwardly and the lower segment component part  142   b  is forced upwardly wedging the components in the rail  114  and in effect clamping collar  120  in a fixed position relative to the rail  114 .  
         [0083]     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is directed toward the feature of a selectively movable edge guide assembly  118 . This assembly  118  includes a linear edge guide  158  which may be formed from stamped sheet metal to provide a guide surface  161  extending in plane generally perpendicular to the linear axis of the rail  114 . The linear edge guide  158  is secured to a bar segment  160 , which itself comprise two component parts  160   a ,  160   b , each of which includes of a complimentary dovetail profile  162  that is adapted to slide linearly within the dovetail groove  138  of the rail  114 .  
         [0084]     A handle  164  is provided that is extendible and retractable (see e.g.  FIGS. 16 and 20 ). The handle  164  also may also be part of a clamping mechanism which may be used to releasably secure the edge guide assembly  118  to selectively provide for a fixed position or for movement to adjust position. The handle  164  is pivotally mounted to a pivot pin  168 , which is secured to the upper component part  160   a  via a screw  172  extending through the lower component part  160   b . The screw  172  is biased in one axial direction via a spring washer  174 . The handle includes a slot  170  to allow for pivoting movement of the handle relative to the pivot pin  168  and an eccentric cam surface  166  that rides against the bottom surface of the lower component part  160   b.    
         [0085]     When the handle  164  is retracted, the bar segment  160  is relaxed allowing edge guide assembly  118  to be linearly moved and repositioned to the rail  114  through sliding contact between complimentary dovetail surfaces. However, when the handle  164  is moved to an extended position, the cam surface  166  engages the bottom surface of the bar segment  160 , causing the upper segment component part  160   a  to be forced downwardly and the lower segment component part  160   b  to be forced upwardly wedging the components in the rail  114  and in effect clamping the edge guide assembly  118  in a fixed position relative to the rail  114 .  
         [0086]     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is directed toward the feature of a centering pilot member  116  which comprises two component parts  116   a ,  116   b , each of which includes of the includes a complimentary dovetail profile  180  that is adapted to slide linearly within the dovetail groove  138  of the rail  114 . The centering pilot member  116  also includes a cylindrical bushing  182  with a central through hole  184  that is adapted to be nailed or screwed or otherwise fastened to a working surface. The bushing  182  is received in a cylindrical cavity  186  of the member  116  to provide for rotation/pivoting movement therebetween.  
         [0087]     A screw  188  is threaded into a threaded hole in the upper component part  116   a  and may be tightened to fix the position of the centering pilot member  116  relative to the rail  114 . In particular, when the screw  188  is not tightened down, the centering pilot member  116  may be linearly movable relative to the rail  114  through sliding contact between complimentary dovetail surfaces. However, when the screw  188  is tightened, the upper segment component part  116   a  is forced downwardly and the lower segment component part  116   b  is forced upwardly wedging the components in the rail  114  and in effect clamping the centering pilot member  116  in a fixed position relative to the rail  114 .  
         [0088]     With the foregoing arrangement, the disclosed embodiment of the router guide attachment  110  is versatile and has different operational modes. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the edge guide assembly  118  may be used to provide a predetermined spacing between the router  111  and an edge of a workpiece, with the edge guide  158  contacting the workpiece edge. The position of the edge guide assembly  118  can be adjusted as described above to provide the desired spacing. A linear scale (not shown) may be provided along the rail to indicate spacing. Another operational mode is shown in  FIG. 21 , wherein the router guide attachment  110  is being used as a circle compass to provide for circular cutting action about a fixed point. The bushing  182  can be fastened to the working surface to provide this fixed point. While in this mode, the edge guide assembly  118  may be removed or affixed to the top side of the rail, out of the way. A third mode has been shown in  FIG. 22  in which the rail is used as a linear sliding guide. To accomplish this mode, the collar  120  can be released from the bar segment  142 , rotated about ninety degrees and then secured back to the bar segment  142  (with the thumb screw  156  snug but not tightened). This allows for linear movement of the router  111  relative to the rail  114  and can be used to make linear cuts in a workpiece at any desired location. To hold the rail  114  stationary, one or more clamps (e.g. C-clamps) may be used to temporarily fix the position of the rail  114  to the workpiece to complete the desired cut.  
         [0089]     Turning to a third embodiment of the present invention, a router guide attachment  210  as shown in  FIGS. 25-32  attaches and detaches with a router  212  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The attachment  210  includes several component parts including a housing  214 , a handle  216 , a lock actuator  218 , and a retention plate  220 .  
         [0090]     As shown, a router guide attachment preferably comprises a quick attach and release type mounting adaptor as shown, which may comprise a locking and release mechanism that may be similar to that disclosed and taught in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/446,871, entitled “Universal Router Guide Pushing Adaptor And Method” filed on Feb. 12, 2003 or U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/505,275, entitled “Adjustable Router Guide” filed on Sep. 23, 2003, and as such the entire disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference. To facilitate quick attachment and detachment, the housing  214  includes a collar portion  222  that is adapted to rotatably engage a relatively flat circular mounting plate  224  (see  FIG. 33 ). Both the collar  222  and the mounting plate  222  may be formed of plastic material, or cast from metal material for heavier duty construction. Mounting plate  224  includes bolt holes with the facilitating bolting of the mounting plate  224  to the end face of the router  212  generally concentric or coaxial about the router spindle. It will be readily appreciated that alternatively, the end face of the router may unitarily provide the mounting plate  222  (e.g., the mounting plate  222  may be unitarily formed into the housing of the router  212  and therefore a separate plate component may not be needed).  
         [0091]     Mounting plate  224  provides for vertical retention through the provision of a plurality of angularly spaced flanges in the form of threads  226  on the outer circular periphery thereof, which are received by and are adapted to engage corresponding flanges in the form of angularly spaced threads  228  on the inner circular periphery of the collar portion  222 . Engagement of the threads  226 ,  228  thereby provides for axial or vertical retention, preventing relative vertical or axial movement of the router  212  (with mounting plate  224  attached), and the router guide attachment  210 , once the corresponding threads  226 ,  228  are rotated into engagement with one another. Referring to  FIG. 35 , vertical retention is further provided by corresponding chamfered surfaces  227 ,  229  on the collar portion  222  and the mounting plate  224  that prevent the mounting plate  224  from dropping through the collar portion  222 . Alternatively, the mounting plate could include a radially outward extending top flange that may rest on the top side of collar portion  222  to provide for this retention feature.  
         [0092]     In addition to vertical retention, a rotational lock is provided in the form of the spring loaded lock actuator  218 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the actuator is mounted into a bottom side cavity  230  formed into the underside of the housing  214 . The cavity  230  is in the shape of a track to provide for sliding lateral reciprocating movement of the lock actuator  218 . The actuator  218  includes a finger pull tab  232  which extends through a slot  234  to be exposed along the topside of the housing  214 . A spring  236  supported by the housing (herein shown as a coil spring, but any type of spring including a spring integrally formed with the resilient plastic material of the lock actuator or housing may be used) biases the lock actuator  218  toward the collar portion  222 . The lock actuator  218  includes a lock tab  238  at its forward end that projects through an opening through an opening into the circular periphery of the collar portion  222 . The finger pull tab  232  can be manually actuated against the action of the spring  236  to retract and advance the actuator and thereby the lock tab  238  as desired. The actuator  218  a spring  236  are secured into the cavity  230  by virtue of the cover plate  220  which is screwed onto the housing  214  with screws  240 .  
         [0093]     The lock tab  238  provides a stop surface that engages a corresponding stop structure  242  on the mounting plate  224  such as a flange end face as shown, or a snag or divot in the alternative. Preferably multiple end stops structures  242  are provided, one for each different set of threads  226 ,  228 , such that the router  212  can be mounted at a corresponding different number of angular orientations.  
         [0094]     To facilitate attachment of the router  212  with the mounting plate  224  mounted thereto, to the guide attachment  210 , the mounting plate  224  is set into the collar portion  222  and then relative rotation between the two components is facilitated to cause the threads  226 ,  228  to rotate pass one another. The lock tab  238  may include a cam surface  239  which engaged, by the outer surface of the mounting plate  224  initially back drives the lock actuator  218  to avoid interference with the rotational movement. Once relative rotation occurs, the lock actuator  218  automatically advances under the spring bias to move the lock tab  238  into locking engagement with the corresponding stop structure  242  once rotating there past to prevent back rotation. In addition, end of movement stops  244 ,  246  are respectively provided on the collar portion  222  and the mounting plate  224  that come into contact with one another to prevent over rotation of the mounting plate  224  relative to the collar portion  222 . At this point, the router  212  and mounting plate  224  are rotationally locked to the housing by virtue of the lock actuator  218  being spring-biased forward and preventing the mounting plate from rotating out of position. At the same time, the corresponding threads  226 ,  228  axially or vertically retain the housing  214  to the router  212  and mounting plate  224 .  
         [0095]     A secondary form of lock mechanism is provided in the form of raised ribs which provide snaps  245 ,  247  on the corresponding threads  226 ,  228  of the collar portion  222  and mounting plate  224 . As these snaps  245 ,  247  rotate past one another during the rotational movement described above, they snap past each other. This provides a secondary additional means (in addition to lock actuator  218 ) for rotationally locking the collar portion  222  and the mounting plate  224 . Accordingly, it will be readily appreciated that redundant rotational locking means is thereby provided, however, an alternate embodiment of the invention may include only one locking means. The rotational locking facilitated by snaps  245 ,  247  is facilitated by virtue of the resilient nature of the material selected for the collar portion  222  and/or the mounting plate  224 . As such, the rotational locking force provided by the snaps can be overcome radially (by virtue of corresponding cam surfaces on trailing faces of the snaps), which allow the mounting plate  224  to be readily detached from the collar portion  222  with manual force.  
         [0096]     When it is desired to release the router guide attachment  210  from the router  212 , it can be accomplished relatively easily simply by pulling the finger pull tab  232  thus retracting the lock actuator  218 . When this happens, the mounting plate  224  and collar portion  222  are no longer rotationally locked with one another, and the router can be rotated to release the router and mounting plate  224  from the collar portion  220  of the router guide attachment  210 .  
         [0097]     The third embodiment includes an arm portion  248  extending radially from the collar portion  222 . In the outboard of the finger pull tab  232  is a handle in the form of a rotatable knob  216 . The knob  216  includes an axially extending threaded shaft portion  252  that is inserted into a hole  254  formed in the housing  214  and is secured thereto by a threaded fastener nut  256  on the underside of the housing  214 . The knob  216  can be manipulated by hand to facilitate easier manipulation and positioning of the router when the router guide attachment  210  is mounted thereof.  
         [0098]     The preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention ( FIG. 36 ) consists of a base plate  502  and also at least one movable template  503 . The base plate can be made from, e.g., wood, aluminum, hard plastic, hard paper or another nondeformable material. The thickness of the base plate  502  and also the given template  503  should be ideally about 2-20 mm, depending on application. In this regard, both parts should have the same material thickness. In the preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, a cutout  1  has been formed in the base plate  502  in order to hold the movable template  503 . The movable template  503  in the preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention is circular, and fits exactly into the circular cutout of the base plate  502  when inserted. Alternatively, in an additional embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, the movable template  503  can be formed as a polygon ( FIG. 55 ). Accordingly, the base plate  502  will then also contain polygonal cutouts. A means for locking the plate in place (base plate/movable template)  509  is provided. This makes it possible to lock the movable template  503  for one milling pattern in a defined position to the base plate  502 . Depending on the pattern to be cut, the movable template  503  is divided into several same sectors  508  of the same size. At least one pattern cutout (example)  504  is incorporated as a cutout at one precisely defined area of the movable template  503 . The position of the movable template  503  can be changed after each milling process, by sliding, turning, or rotating within the base plate  502 . The number of the pattern cutouts (example)  504  depends on the size of the movable template  503  and also on the complexity of the pattern to be milled. In order to attain additional versatility in the pattern, an insert  505  can be installed into a pattern cutout provided therefore.  
         [0099]     The templates, in particular the movable template  503 , are designed so that they are mutually compatible and will complement each other for the cutting of new patterns. However, this only applies to templates with the same-size template. In one particular refinement of the milling systems according to the present invention, through the use of a guide bar  513  adjustable in the X- and Y-directions, an expansion of the pattern is possible. On the base plate  502  of the milling system according to the present invention, there is a means  510  provided for securing of this guide bar. The guide bar  513  can be locked in place, for example, by use of a locking bolt  515 . When this locking feature is used, the locking bolts  515  are inserted into the holes drilled for the locking unit  514 . The distance between the drilled holes for the locking unit  514  is a defined value, in order to ensure the precise movement of the milling system in the X- or Y-directions.  FIGS. 51-56  show additional, particularly useful possibilities for embodiments of the milling system according to the present invention.  
         [0100]     Selection of the pattern to be milled is made by using a pattern selection sheet included for each milling system. Thus, the user can obtain information concerning which pattern cutouts (examples)  504  are needed for forming the desired pattern.  
         [0101]     In the simplest case, the actual milling process proceeds as follows: in the preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, the base plate  502  is placed upon the workpiece, suitably aligned, and then locked in place by using threaded clamps, for example. The rotatable template  503  must remain movable mobile in this case. The size of the tracing collar  516  and also the router bit  517  to be used are suggested on the router  511  for each pattern. Then, the cutting depth of the router  511  is set. Next, the router  511  equipped with tracing collar  516  and router bit  517  is guided along the inside edges of the pattern cutouts (example)  504  belonging to the pattern in the template  503 .  
         [0102]     According to the specified cutting pattern, the movable template  503  is moved into a new position after each milling process by shifting, turning, sliding or rotating. These steps are then repeated until the desired pattern has been completely formed. For cutting particular patterns, often only partial segments of the pattern cutouts (example)  504  are needed. Based on the pattern selection sheet, the user will be able to obtain information indicating which partial segments of the pattern ring of the router are to be followed.  FIG. 37  and  FIG. 44  show top views of the preferred embodiment of the milling system according to the present invention, with examples of pattern cutouts (examples)  504  in the movable template  503  and also a small selection ( FIGS. 38-43  and  FIGS. 45-50 ) of patterns that can be cut with these templates. In the milling patterns according to  FIGS. 38-43 , a guide bar  513  is used in order to expand the milling pattern in the X- or Y-directions.  
         [0103]     A milling system  520  for milling patterns into the workpiece  507  is illustrated in  FIGS. 57-60 . The system  520  comprises a baseplate  522  having an aperture  524 . The system  520  further includes a template  526  disposed within the aperture  524  and positionable in a plurality of registrated orientations relative to the baseplate  522 .  
         [0104]     Referring to  FIG. 58 , the baseplate  522  is formed of two separable, symmetrical baseplate parts  522   a . The two baseplate parts  522   a  each include a tongue  528  on one of the parts  522   a  and a cooperative slot  530  in the other of the parts  522   a  to receive the respective tongue  528 , for interconnecting the parts  522   a  together. The tongue  528  has a raised detent  528   a  and the slot includes an aperture  530   a  to receive the detent  528   a.    
         [0105]     The baseplate  522  includes twenty-four recesses  534 , which are sequentially labeled A, B, C, D. The template  526  includes six protrusions  536 , which locate the template  526  relative to the baseplate  522 .  
         [0106]     The baseplate  522  includes opposing notches  538 , and the template  526  has a center positioning aperture  524   b  for aligning the workpiece  507  with the milling system  520 . Additionally, the baseplate aperture  524  has a beveled aperture surface  524   a , and the template  526  has a cooperatively beveled outer surface  527 .  
         [0107]     The template has a plurality of pattern cut-outs  527 . The template  526  further has an upper surface  526   a  and a lower surface  526   b . The upper surface  526   a  is flush. The lower surface  526   b  has cored out segments  526   c  to reduce material cost. The baseplate lower surface  526   b  is textured.  
         [0108]     In order to view a resulting pattern before milling the workpiece  507 , a pencil guide  540 , illustrated in  FIG. 60   a  is provided. The pencil guide  540  holds a pencil  541 , or other like writing instrument. With the pencil guide  540  and the pencil  541 , one can trace the pattern on the workpiece  507 . The pencil guide  540  has two diameters, to vary the distance the pencil  541  is spaced from the walls of the pattern cutout  527 , and hence varies the resulting pattern.  
         [0109]     A preferred embodiment of a system  544  for vertically supporting a rotary cutting tool  546  is illustrated in  FIGS. 61-64 .  
         [0110]     The tool support system  544  comprises a transparent base  548  and a three posts  550  extending upwardly from the base  548 . The base has a lower surface  548   a  having two, generally circular ribs  548   a  ( FIG. 64 ), raised approximately 1/20,000 of an inch. The ribs  548   a  raise the base away from the template  526 , so as to prevent scratching of the base  548  and maintain its transparency. The periphery of the base  548  is also beveled, to permit it to smoothly slide over surface bumps.  
         [0111]     The system  544  further includes a tool support  552  for supporting the rotary tool  546 . The tool support  552  has a plurality of sleeves  554 , one associated with each of the posts  550 . Each of the sleeves  554  includes first and second bushings  555   a ,  555   b . The sleeves  554  slidably receive respective ones of the posts  550 . The system still further includes two springs  556  disposed in respective spring sleeves  557  for biasing the tool support  552  away from the base  548 . The springs  556  each have a first end  556   a  disposed in the spring sleeve  557  and a second end  556   b  engaging the base  548 .  
         [0112]     The system  544  also includes a gauge  560  having one end  560   a  secured to the tool support  552  by a set screw  561  and the other end  560   b  adapted to engage the base  548  for selectively limiting the travel of the tool support  552  towards the base  548 , which sets the depth of cut into the workpiece  507 . The gauge is graduated, to display the selected depth of cut.  
         [0113]     The tool support  552  includes a threaded opening  564  to receive a threaded nose  566  of the rotary tool  546 . The tool support  552  also includes a pair of handles  568  for permitting a user to move the tool support  552  relative to the base  548 .  
         [0114]     Referring to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , the base  548  includes a guide bushing  570  having a cylindrical nose  570   b . The diameter of the cylindrical nose  570   b  determines the distance the tool bit is spaced from the walls of the pattern cutout  527 , and hence affects the pattern milled in the workpiece  507 . The diameter of the cylindrical nose  570   b  is identified by a molded indicia I (raised or depressed) on the surface of the guide bushing  570 . The guide bushing  570  is easily removable and includes three tapered lips  572  to receive a respective one of the three lips  574  on the base  548 . Each of the bushing lips  572  includes a recess  572   a  to lockingly engage with a cooperating protrusion  574   a  on the base lip  574 . A wall  575  prevents over-rotation of the guide bushing  570 . Accordingly, the guide bushing  570  can readily be changed to one having a different nose  570   b  diameter without the need for special tools. The guide bushing  570  includes large openings  570   a  for visibility and to permit grasping to rotate the bushing  570 . The guide bushing  570   a  further includes indicia  570   c  indicating the circumferential dimension of the nose  570   b.    
         [0115]     The system  544  also includes a spring loaded release  576  for locking the tool support  552  in a position a selected distance relative to the base  548 .  
         [0116]     The base  548  further includes a vacuum attachment  578  to attach a vacuum device (not shown) to remove cuttings through the large openings  570   a  in the guide bushing  570 .  
         [0117]     The above features and quick attachment and detachment system of the various embodiments above may be incorporated into a wide variety of different types of router attachments to include but not limited to edge guides, router tables, dato guides, elipse guides, circle compasses, and/or other such tool attachments. The embodiments shown herein are just some of the potential examples. The above features may also be incorporated into other types of tool attachments, and certain claims are directed toward these aspects.  
         [0118]     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.  
         [0119]     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.  
         [0120]     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.