Abstract:
A router depth adjustment device includes a shaft with a first and a second end, a handle disposed on the first end of the shaft, for rotating the shaft, and a mechanical connection disposed on the second end. The mechanical connection is configured to couple with a corresponding mechanical connection on a depth adjustment shaft of a router. A depth adjustment indexing system includes an adjustment knob slidably mounted on the shaft and an indexer pivotally mounted to the adjustment knob. The adjustment knob and the indexer are capable of pivoting independently and pivoting simultaneously. The adjustment knob is configured such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the shaft.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/436,299, filed May 18, 2006, entitled Router Plunge Depth Adjustment Mechanism, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 11/129,112, filed May 13, 2005, entitled Router Plunge Depth Adjustment Mechanism, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/972,935 entitled Router Plunge Depth Adjustment Mechanism filed on Oct. 25, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,479, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/264,024, entitled Router Plunge Depth Adjustment Mechanism, filed on Oct. 3, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,480; which in-turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/401,647, entitled Router Plunge Depth Adjustment Mechanism, filed on Aug. 6, 2002, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This application relates to the field of hand tools and particularly to an apparatus and method for permitting plunge router depth adjustment from a base end.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Plunge routers utilize various systems for changing the maximum depth to which the bit will advance. Typically, depth adjustment systems are mounted to permit ready access when the router is orientated with the motor housing orientated upwardly. Difficulties may occur when a user wishes to utilize plunge routers with a router table. When a plunge router is utilized with a router table, the router is orientated with the motor housing in a downward direction. Adjusting the maximum depth of cut may be difficult when using a router table because the table extends beyond the router base to support the workpiece.  
         [0004]     For instance, plunge routers may include a coarse adjustment mechanism to permit large changes in the maximum depth of cut and a fine adjustment mechanism. Previous coarse adjustment mechanisms fail to permit ease of access. For example, a coarse adjustment mechanism such as a set screw or thumb screw may be difficult to adjust when the plunge router is orientated with the motor housing in a downward direction, such as when mounted under a table. Additionally, coarse adjustment mechanisms utilizing screws may be difficult to secure while the user is attempting to adjust the router against a spring while setting the coarse plunge mechanism.  
         [0005]     Additionally, providing plunge depth adjustment from a base end is problematic. For instance, a depth adjustment mechanism disposed in or connected to the router base may cause difficulties or prohibit switching base plates. Adjustment mechanisms, and particularly fine adjustment mechanisms, connected to the base may become damaged, fouled with debris such as sawdust, and the like. Adjustment mechanisms mounted to the base may increase manufacturing expense. An adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment for the base end may not permit ease of adjustment from the motor housing end, for example when a plunge router is disposed with the motor housing orientated upwardly.  
         [0006]     Further, router table users often reach under the table to adjust router depth or remove the router from the table. Removing the router from the table may be time consuming. Attempting to change router depth, while the router is mounted under the table, may be difficult and lead to imprecision and user dissatisfaction. Previous router devices fail to provide accurate depth adjustment. For instance, when adjusting either a standard router or a plunge router mounted under a router table the user often is forced to guess at the adjustment needed and then utilize a tape measure to check for correct adjustment.  
         [0007]     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for permitting plunge router depth adjustment from a base end without the difficulties previously experienced.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     In an aspect, a router depth adjustment device includes a shaft with a first and a second end, a handle disposed on the first end of the shaft, for rotating the shaft, and a mechanical connection disposed on the second end. The mechanical connection is configured to couple with a corresponding mechanical connection on a depth adjustment shaft of a router. A depth adjustment indexing system includes an adjustment knob slidably mounted on the shaft and an indexer pivotally mounted to the adjustment knob. The adjustment knob and the indexer are capable of pivoting independently and pivoting simultaneously. The adjustment knob is configured such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the shaft.  
         [0009]     Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. At least one of the indexer and the adjustment knob includes indicia configured to indicate an amount of depth adjustment of the router. An interconnect is mounted to the indexer, the interconnect being configured for coupling with a corresponding interconnect on a router table so as to prevent rotation of the indexer. An elastomeric member is disposed between the adjustment knob and indexer for alternately securing and unsecuring the indexer to the adjustment knob. The adjustment knob is mounted to the shaft, such that the knob rotates with rotation of the shaft. The mechanical connection includes one of a hex head, a socket, a slot head, a Phillips head, and a Torx head.  
         [0010]     In another aspect, a router system includes a router including a depth adjustment mechanism configured to make a depth adjustment on the router. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a first shaft that rotates about an axis of the first shaft to make the depth adjustment. An adjustment device is configured to adjust the depth adjustment mechanism above a top surface of a router table when the router is mounted beneath the top surface. The adjustment device includes a second shaft configured to pass through an aperture in the top surface, the second shaft having a top end portion with a handle that remains above the top surface and a bottom end portion with a mechanical connection that is configured to engage the first shaft such that rotation of the second shaft about an axis of the second shaft adjusts the depth adjustment mechanism. An indexing system includes an adjustment knob slidably mounted on the shaft and an indexer pivotally mounted to the adjustment knob, where the adjustment knob and the indexer are capable of pivoting independently and pivoting simultaneously. The adjustment knob is configured such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the shaft.  
         [0011]     Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. At least one of the indexer and the adjustment knob includes indicia configured to indicate an amount of depth adjustment of the router. An interconnect is mounted to the indexer, the interconnect being configured for coupling with a corresponding interconnect on a router table so as to prevent rotation of the indexer. An elastomeric member is disposed between the adjustment knob and indexer for alternately securing and unsecuring the indexer to the adjustment knob. The adjustment knob is mounted to the shaft, such that the knob rotates with rotation of the shaft. The mechanical connection includes one of a hex head, a socket, a slot head, a Phillips head, and a Torx head.  
         [0012]     In another aspect, a base end plunge router adjustment mechanism includes a first column portion mounted to a base with an aperture permitting access to a mechanical connection on a threaded rod extending from a second column portion into the first column portion. A nut is mounted to the rod so the nut is capable of traveling linearly along the rod without rotating within the first column portion.  
         [0013]     In a further aspect of the invention, a router depth adjustment device includes a shaft with a handle on an end and a mechanical connection on the opposing end. An adjustment knob and an indexer are included in the device. The adjustment knob is attached such that the knob may travel along the shaft. The indexer is pivotally mounted to the knob.  
         [0014]     In an additional aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a router utilized with a router table includes coupling a depth adjustment device to a threaded shaft disposed in a router. An indexer is aligned with the router table. An adjustment knob is utilized to rotate the shaft resulting in a change in cut depth.  
         [0015]     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 an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective cut-a-way view of a plunge router, utilized in conjunction with a router table, employing a mechanism for providing base end adjustment;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a mechanism for providing base end depth adjustment;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of the mechanism of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an apparatus for providing base end plunge router depth adjustment, including a hex-head socket wrench;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a threaded rod including a pivotal connection mechanism for use in permitting base end plunge depth adjustment;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a wrench, including a depth guage, suitable for utilization in base end depth adjustment;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5B  is an inverse view of the wrench of  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a router table capable of measured router depth adjustment;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a router table utilized in conjunction with a router depth adjustment device; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating a method for permitting plunge router base end depth adjustment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]     Referring generally now to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. The system and method of the present invention overcome the difficulties associated with typical plunge router adjustment mechanisms, such as when a plunge router is utilized with a router table.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2A  and  2 B, a mechanism  200  of the present invention is suitable for utilization in a plunge router  100 . The mechanism  200  for permitting base end plunge depth adjustment of a router is shown. A base  202  is included in the mechanism  200 . The base  202  contains an aperture  206  suitable for permitting access to the interior of a first column portion  208  connected to the base  202 . For example, the aperture  206  is sufficient to allow a wrench, such as an Allen wrench to access the interior recess of the first column portion  208 . The first column  208  includes an aperture through the side opposite the connection between the first column  208  and the base  202 .  
         [0028]     A second column portion  210  is adjustably connected to the first column  208 . For example, the second column portion is capable of receiving the first column  208  in an interior recess included in the second column  210  so as to permit plunging action. The second column  210  is formed integral to a motor housing  212 . In further embodiments, the second column  210  is formed separately and connected to the motor housing  212 . The mechanism  200  is suitable for at least partially supporting the motor housing when in an upright orientation. For example, a plunge router employing the present mechanism may include an additional column assembly for at least partially supporting the motor housing when upright.  
         [0029]     A threaded rod  214  is included in the mechanism  200 . The rod  214  is pivotally connected, adjacent the first end of the rod  214 , to the second column  210  opposite the first column  208 . The pivotal connection between the threaded rod  214  and the second column  210  permits the rod  214  to rotate without traveling along the rod  214 . For instance, the rod  214  includes a groove around the circumference of the rod, a smooth portion bounded by opposing washers, see generally  FIG. 3 , and the like for pivotally connecting the rod  214  through the aperture included in the second column  210 .  
         [0030]     A mechanical connection is formed on the second end of the rod  214 . For example, the mechanical connection is a hex head  220 . In further embodiments, the mechanical connection is a socket for receiving an Allen wrench, a square socket for receiving a square bit, a slot head, a Phillips head, a Torx head, and the like. For instance, the mechanical connection is suitable for connecting with a corresponding mechanical connection included on a wrench for adjusting the rod  214 . See  FIG. 4  wherein a wrench  430  with a hex socket connection  432  is utilized for adjusting plunge depth.  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIGS. 2A, 2B  and  3 , a nut  216  is threaded on to the threaded rod  214 . The nut  216  is disposed in the recess included in the first column  208  between the end of the first column  208  connected to the second column  210  and a stop  218 . The interior recess of the first column  208  prevents the nut  216  from rotating with respect to the column while permitting the nut  216  to travel along the rod  214 . For instance, the first column interior recess is hex shaped to receive a hex shaped nut.  
         [0032]     The threaded rod  214  passes through an aperture on the end of the first column  208  opposite the base  202 . The aperture allows passage of the rod  214  without contact, thus permitting plunging action. A stop  218  is connected to the interior of the first column  208 . The stop  218  forms the maximum plunge depth when contacted by the nut  216 . For instance the stop  218  is a lip, a screw secured to the first column portion and the like for arresting the nut  216 , while permitting passage of the rod and/or a wrench.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , for instance, should a user wish to increase the plunge depth from the base end an eighth of an inch (⅛″), the user would rotate the rod  314  via a wrench  430  until the nut  416  traveled the desired distance. In a further embodiment, a full rotation of the rod  414  results in an eighth of an inch (⅛″) travel of the nut  416  along the rod  314 . Setting the pitch of the threads so a single rotation of the rod is equal to an eighth of an inch (⅛″) of linear travel is advantageous due to the common occurrence of ⅛″, 1/16″, 1/32″ and multiples thereof in router operation. For instance, a user knows that a one-half rotation equals approximately a  1 / 16 ″ adjustment. The stop  418  permits passage of the rod  414  while preventing the nut  416  from passing. Disposing the second end of the threaded rod  414  in the first column portion  408  permits ease of adjustment and lower manufacturing costs than base mounted adjustment mechanisms.  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in an additional aspect of the invention, an adjustment knob  222  is connected to the first end of the rod  214 . The adjustment knob  222  is mated to the rod  214  such that rotation of the knob  222  results in a corresponding rotation of the rod  214 . For example, the knob  222  is secured to the rod via a screw. In another embodiment, a knob aperture and the first end of the rod are shaped to interlock, such as by including a square shaped the rod end and square knob aperture, and the like for securing the threaded rod/adjustment knob.  
         [0035]     In further embodiments, an adjustment collar  224  indicating various adjustments may be included. For example, the collar  224  includes a series of depth adjustments for aiding in maximum plunge depth adjustment. In the example, the collar  224  may have a series of adjustment marks, such as 1/64″, 1/32″, 1/16″ and the like for aligning with a corresponding mark on the knob/motor housing, for aiding depth adjustment.  
         [0036]     A biasing means, such as a compression spring  214 , is included in the second column  210 . The spring  214  provides a force suitable for at least partially supporting the motor housing  212  in an extended orientation, while permitting a user the ability to plunge a router in which the mechanism  200  is included.  
         [0037]     A base plate  226  may be attached to the base  202 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various base plates may be utilized to achieve desired functionality, such as to provide a collar for following a template, providing radius cutting ability, aiding in connecting the base to a router table and the like. Suitable base plates include an aperture to allow access to the interior of first column  208  or may be designed so as to not interfere with operation of the mechanism  200 .  
         [0038]     In further embodiments, a removable cap, a penetrable rubber gasket or the like for preventing the ingress of debris into a first column portion is included in the mechanism  200 .  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a router depth adjustment device  500  is described. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the device  500  of the present embodiment may be implemented with both standard and plunge type routers. For instance, the depth adjustment device may be implemented with a router, either plunge or standard, when utilized with a router table, such as may be seen generally with regards to  FIG. 1 .  
         [0040]     The device  500  includes a shaft  502 . A handle  504  is connected on an end of the shaft. Various handle types, such as T-handles, handles for aiding in grasping and the like may be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0041]     A mechanical connection is secured to the shaft opposite the handle  504 . In the current embodiment, the mechanical connection is a socket  506  for receiving a hex-head included in a router. In further embodiments, the mechanical connection is a hex head, a square socket for receiving a square bit, a slot head, a Phillips head, a Torx head, and the like.  
         [0042]     An adjustment knob  510  is mounted to the shaft  502 . The knob  510  is connected such that the knob is permitted to slide or traverse along the length of the shaft. In additional embodiments, the connection between the shaft and the knob permits travel along the shaft while the knob remains pivotally fixed. For instance, the shaft includes a flattened zone along the longitudinal column for interacting with a complimentary zone included in the knob  510 , thus resulting in the knob remaining rotationally fixed. Moreover, when the device  500  is implemented with a router, such as described previously, the user may rotate the knob  510 , thus resulting in a change in plunge depth.  
         [0043]     An indexer  512  is pivotally connected to the adjustment knob  510 . The indexer  512  is generally ring shaped and includes graduations to aid the user in adjusting the depth of cut, in the case of a standard router, or maximum plunge depth for a plunge router. For instance, the indexer  512  indicates a full rotation will result in a ⅛″ (eighth of an inch) variation in depth. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the change in depth of the router&#39;s cutting tool is a function of the pitch of the threading included in a router. It is the intention of this application to encompass and include such variation. For instance, a router may be threaded so a single rotation results in a (¼″) quarter inch of linear travel, thus the indexer graduations would correspond to a ¼″ change per rotation.  
         [0044]     In additional embodiments, the indexer  512  includes a mechanical interconnect. For example, a mechanical interconnect may be a rib (multiple ribs are shown  514 ), a pin, such as a rounded protrusion, a gasket, such as an elastomer gasket, with a high coefficient of friction, and the like for aiding in maintaining orientation of the indexer. Preferably, the mechanical interconnects included on the indexer  512  extend outwardly parallel to the axis of the shaft  502  so that a router table or insert included with a router table may receive the interconnect without disruptions of the work surface. For instance, a rib  514  is included on an indexer. The rib  514  may be received by a recess included in a router table. Thus, an indexer  512  may be secured in a desired orientation while an associated adjustment knob is manipulated.  
         [0045]     In further implementations, an elastomeric gasket, such as a rubber plug, is positioned between an adjustment knob and an indexer. The plug may act to permit the knob and indexer to rotate together or independently, depending on user manipulation. For instance, a user may choose to manipulate the indexer and knob in unison thus the plug may be compressed slightly between the knob and indexer, resulting in uniform rotation.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a router table  600  is shown. The router table  600  of the present embodiment permits measured depth adjustment from the workpiece side.  
         [0047]     The router table  600  includes a support  602 . An aperture  604  extends through the support  604 . The aperture  604  permits access to a depth adjustment mechanism included on a standard or plunge router. For example, the aperture permits access to a router mounted below the support, such as may be seen generally in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0048]     A mechanical interconnect recess is formed in the support  602  adjacent to the aperture  604 . A recess  606 , for accepting a rib, such as a rib included on device  500  is shown. A recess may be formed to accept a specific mechanical interconnect, such as a pin and the like included on a wrench for manipulating router depth. An interconnect recess allows for alignment of depth adjustment ring or indexer with respect to the table. Referring to  FIG. 6B , for example, a user may wish to align a zero mark on the indexer with an indicator or alignment mark  608  on the surface of the support  602  and then rotate an adjustment knob  610  to achieve a desired change in plunge depth. The user may rotate the adjustment knob until an alignment point on the knob aligns with the desired linear change.  
         [0049]     The aperture and recess are formed in the support on the workpiece side of the support. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the aperture and adjacent structures may be formed as part of an insert into a router table, so as to permit retrofitting, for cost effective manufacture and the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a flow chart depicting a method  700  for adjusting a router utilized with a router table. Initially, a router adjustment device is coupled  702  to a mechanical connection included on a threaded shaft disposed in a column. For instance, the adjustment device is inserted through an aperture included in the router table/base. An indexer is aligned with the router table  704 . For example, a mechanical interconnect is matched with a corresponding interconnect included on the router table. The adjustment knob is utilized  706  to rotate the shaft such that the rotation of the shaft results in a measured depth of cut change. For instance, the shaft is rotated via the knob so a 1/32″ change occurs.  
         [0051]     Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods 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 of the present invention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.  
         [0052]     It is believed that the apparatus and method of 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.