Abstract:
The present invention relates to portable powered devices or tools for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, in which the power source may be carried on the back of the individual user, power is transferred via a flexible drive shaft, and the powered devices or tools may be quickly connected to or disconnected from the power source via a quick-connect power take-off and power take-on to allow the user to quickly, safely and ergonomically accomplish a variety of tasks, each requiring a different device or tool. Among residential, commercial, or industrial applications, the invention relates to power sources which are light-weight internal combustion engines or AC or DC powered electric motors and to portable powered tools for landscaping, maintenance and repair; such as, without limitation, string-trimmers, edge-trimmers, hedge cutters, brush saws, blowers, drills, buffers, grinders, sanders, drainer cleaners, or sump pumps.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING” 
       [0003]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     (1) Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates to portable powered devices or tools for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, which may be quickly connected to or disconnected from the power source to allow the user to safely and ergonomically accomplish a variety of tasks, each requiring a different device or tool. In residential applications, the invention relates to portable powered devices for landscaping and home maintenance or repair; such as, without limitation, string-trimmers, edge-trimmers, hedge cutters, blowers, or paint spraying. In commercial settings, the invention relates to portable powered tools for, without limitation, spraying, painting, buffing, sanding, or stripping. In the industrial arena, the invention relates to portable powered tools used for, without limitation, sawing, drilling, grinding, nailing, sanding, or pumping.  
         [0006]     More specifically, this invention relates to the field of small internal combustion (“IC”) engine-driven and alternating current (“AC”) or direct current (“DC”) powered electric motor-driven power-packs which may be connected to a variety of power driven tools. The invention further relates to the field of small engine and motor driven power packs which are light enough to be mounted on a backpack frame, outfitted with suitable straps, which allows a user to comfortably carry the powered assembly on the back.  
         [0007]     The invention still further relates to the field of small engine and motor driven power packs where the drive shaft of the engine or motor is connected firmly to a rotating flexible drive shaft which is housed within a non-rotating sleeve. The rotating flexible drive shaft is of suitable strength to match the rotational speed, power, and torque of the power unit. The length of the flexible drive shaft and outer sleeve are selected to allow the power from the backpack power unit to be transferred at about waist high and arm&#39;s length to the front of the user.  
         [0008]     The invention further relates to those powered devices where the end of the rotating flexible drive shaft and outer sleeve opposite the engine or motor connection point terminates at a throttle control arm. The throttle control arm is a light weight tube of suitable material of construction which houses an inner rotating drive shaft.  
         [0009]     The invention still further relates to those devices where an engine or motor throttle control arm has mounted on it; a handle, which may be set in a variety of angular positions relative to the line along the length of the control arm, and on-off switch and speed controls for the engine or motor.  
         [0010]     The invention further relates to those powered devices where an inner rotating drive shaft extends slightly beyond the end of the tube housing the drive shaft. The outer tube and inner rotating drive shaft terminate at a quick-connect power take off of suitable strength to match the rotational speed, power, and torque of the power unit. The quick-connect power take off allows a user to quickly and safely connect or disconnect to the drive shaft, extending from the throttle control arm, any variety of power tools which have been previously outfitted with a mating quick-connect power take on.  
         [0011]     This invention further relates to powered tools which may be outfitted with a quick-connect power take on designed to mate with the quick-connect power take off at the end of a throttle control arm. The powered tools are those tools which may be used for any number of residential, commercial, or industrial applications.  
         [0012]     There is a need for a small engine or motor driven power pack; which may be worn on the back of a user, which is connected to a flexible drive shaft allowing the power of the engine or motor to be transferred to the front of the user, and which may be quickly and safely quick-connected to a variety of powered tools. The light weight of the power unit, combined with flexible drive, and quick-connection of power tools allows a user to safely, efficiently, and ergonomically accomplish a wide variety of tasks which require one or more power tools. The present invention satisfies these industry needs, among other demands.  
         [0013]     (2) Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 C.F.R. 1.97 and 1.98  
         [0014]     Backpack engine-driven power units and power driven tools are common in the marketplace. Flexible drive shafts with a wide range of length, angular and lateral motion, and speed, power, and torque capability are also well-known. Quick-connect power take-offs have been in existence for many years. A preliminary search by applicants revealed that these individual units are described in a number of patents and patent applications (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,490,910; 4,823,464; 4,860,451; 5,713,191; 5,979,064; 6,415,585; 6,862,958; 6,895,735; U.S. patent application Nos. 20020007559; 20020104896; 20020116825; 20030140884; and 20030221400). However, none of these patents or applications, either alone or in any combination thereof, anticipate the present invention or its various embodiments, nor render the same obvious to one of ordinary skill in this field of endeavor.  
         [0015]     Consequently, there is a need for a small engine or motor driven power pack which may be worn on the back of the user and which may be quickly and safely quick-connected to a variety of powered tools via a flexible drive. The light weight of the power unit, combined with a flexible drive shaft, and quick-connection of power tools allows the user to safely, efficiently, and ergonomically accomplish a wide variety of tasks which require one or more power tools. The present invention provides these features and other advancements compared to the prior art.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     The present invention is a small IC engine or AC or DC powered electric motor mounted on a backpack which may be worn on the back of an individual user. The engine or motor drive shaft is connected to a flexible drive shaft, housed within a non-rotating sleeve, long enough to be routed from behind to the front of the person wearing the backpack. The free end of the flexible drive shaft is further connected to a throttle control arm—a hollow tube of suitable material of construction which houses a rotating drive shaft.  
         [0017]     The throttle control arm has attached to its outer surface an adjustable handle to facilitate the user&#39;s positioning of a connected power tool relative to a particular point in space, such as the ground, or an object of work. The outer surface of the throttle control arm has further attached to it an on-off switch and speed control for the engine or motor. The end of the throttle control bar is outfitted with a quick-connect power take off. The quick-connect power take off is designed to permit a variety of power tools, with matching quick-connect power take on, to be connected to the end of the throttle control bar.  
         [0018]     The quick-connect power take off attached to the end of the throttle control bar consists of one or more strong connection points around its outer surface. These connection points are designed to mate with the same number of strong points around the outer surface of a quick-connect power take on attached to the end of the powered tool. The quick-connect power take off is designed so that the rotating drive shaft extends sufficiently to allow a power take on to connect with it. This is but one example of a quick-connect power take off and power take on. Other such devices for the quick connection and transfer of power are known to those skills in such arts and would fall within the description here and claims.  
         [0019]     The IC engine may be fueled by any appropriate combustible fluid; including, without limitation, alcohol, diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas, or propane. The engine may be of 2-cycle or 4-cycle design. The electric motor may be powered by a standard AC power cord of sufficient electrical power carrying capability to match the size of the motor. The motor may also be powered by a battery pack of suitable electrical capacity mounted on or adjacent to the backpack. The motor may also be powered by more exotic electrical power sources, including, and without limitation, a fuel-cell or solar panels.  
         [0020]     Depending on the power driven tool selected to be used, the user quick-connects the power take on attached to the tool to the power take off on the end of the throttle control bar. After ensuring that the connection is securely fastened, the user adjusts the handle on the throttle control bar based on the type of connected tool and the position of the object of work. The user selects the on position on the on-off switch mounted on the throttle control bar. The user then starts the engine; the electric motor being energized by selecting on. The engine or motor may be outfitted with a centrifugal clutch, well known to those skills in such arts, which allows the engine or motor to run at an idle speed without transferring power to the flexible drive shaft before work is to begin.  
         [0021]     When the user is ready to use the power tool for its intended purpose, he activates the engine or motor speed control, thereby increasing its rotational speed. The increasing rotational speed causes power to be transferred to the connected power tool, through the flexible drive shaft and the drive shafts within the throttle control arm and powered tool handle.  
         [0022]     The various power tools which may be connected to the quick-connect power take off may comprise; without limitation, string-trimmer, edge-trimmer, branch cutter, brush cutter, wood, metal, or masonry power saw, drills of all diameters and sizes, power ratchet, nail gun, grinder, sander, liquid or powder sprayer, paint roller, pump, blower, floor machines for stripping, sanding, or buffing, or a plumbing snake.  
         [0023]     Once the work is completed with the particular connected power tool, the engine or motor may be switched off. After the power unit is switched off, the user may disengage the quick-connect power take on from the quick-connect power take on on the tool. The user may then quick-connect another tool to the quick-connect power take on and begin work again with a different tool.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     (1) Drawing Figures  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a view showing the invention with an IC engine worn by a typical user with the flexible drive connected to a string trimmer.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a view showing the invention with a battery-powered DC motor worn by a typical user with the flexible drive connected to a string trimmer.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of a typical connection between the engine or motor drive shaft and flexible drive shaft.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is an end view of a typical connection between the engine or motor drive shaft and flexible drive shaft.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a typical connection between the flexible drive shaft and the throttle control arm.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a typical quick-connect connection between the throttle control arm and a powered tool.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7A  depicts the backpack power unit and flexible drive shaft with a string-trimmer power tool connected to the throttle control arm.  
         [0032]      FIG. 7B  shows the throttle control arm just disconnected from a string-trimmer power tool.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8A  illustrates the throttle control arm ready to be quick-connected to a hedge-trimmer power tool.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8B  represents the throttle control arm quick-connected to a hedge-trimmer power tool.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  depicts the throttle control arm quick-connected to an edge-trimmer power tool.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  shows the throttle control arm quick-connected to a chain saw power tool.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  illustrates the throttle control arm quick-connected to a drill power tool.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  represents the throttle control arm quick-connected to a grinder/sander power tool.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  depicts the throttle control arm quick-connected to a plumbing snake power tool.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  shows the throttle control arm quick-connected to a floor buffer power tool.  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  illustrates the throttle control arm quick-connected to a sump pump power tool.  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  represents the throttle control arm quick-connected to a blower power tool.  
                                                 (2) Reference numerals used in Drawings                                20   Flex-drive backpack   22   Gasoline-powered engine       24   Backpack frame   26   Straps       28   Individual User   30   Flexible drive assembly       32   Throttle control arm   34   Adjustable handle       36   Speed control   38   String-trimmer head       40   Quick-connect power take off   42   Quick-connect power take on       44   Shaft for string trimmer   46   Knob       48   On-off switch   50   Wire       52   Flexible drive shaft   54   Flexible drive sleeve       56   Drive shaft assembly   58   Engine drive shaft       60   Housing   62   Engine drive shaft machining       64   End plug   66   Outer sleeve       68   Set screws   70   Threaded coupling       72   Connection point between Item 30   74   Connection point between Item           and Item 70       32 and Item 70       76   End plug   78   Shaft       80   Expanded end of Shaft 78   82   End bell       84   Co-machining point between Item 78   86   Co-machining point between Item           and Item 82       82 and Item 88       88   Shaft   90   Bearing       92   Bearing   94   Lateral movement stop       96   Expansion point of Shaft 88   98   Shaft       100   Collar   102   Through-drilling point in Item 44                   and Item 100       104   Spring-loaded positioner   106   Power supply unit       108   String-trimmer powered tool   110   Positioning assembly       112   Hedge-trimmer powered tool   114   Hedge-trimmer quick-connect                   power take on       116   Tube   118   Hedge-trimmer cutting bar       120   Edge-trimmer powered tool   122   Tube       124   Edge-trimmer cutting head   126   Chain saw powered tool       128   Tube   130   Chain saw cutting chain       132   Drill powered tool   134   Tube       136   Drill bit   138   Grinder/sander powered tool       140   Tube   142   Grinding/sanding head       144   Plumbing snake powered tool   146   Tube       148   Plumbing snake coil   150   Floor buffer powered tool       152   Tube   154   Buffer pad       156   Sump pump powered tool   158   Tube       160   Sump pump   162   Hose       164   Blower powered tool   166   Tube       168   Blower head   170   Electric motor       172   Battery pack                    
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0043]     Throughout the specification, certain terms and phrases are defined by the inventors.  
         [0044]     “Power take off” means the quick-connect power connection point on the end of the throttle control arm.  
         [0045]     “Power take on” means the quick-connect power connection mounted on the drive shaft of the power tool.  
         [0046]     “Quick-connect” or “quick-connection” refers to the link between the power take off at the end of throttle control arm and the power take on attached to the power tool.  
         [0047]     “Flex-drive backpack” refers to the preferred embodiment of the invention and any modifications thereof; specifically, a backpack style power pack with flexible drive and quick-connect power take off for connection to a variety of powered tools.  
       (1) Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment  
       [0048]     The invention described here represents the preferred embodiment. Additional embodiments are also described which depict the invention with other combinations of power supply units and connected power tools.  
         [0049]     The flex-drive backpack  20  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises, a gasoline-powered engine  22  mounted on backpack frame  24 , with straps  26 , carried on the back of user  28 , with flexible drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , with adjustable handle  34 , on-off switch  48 , and speed control  36 , connected to a string-trimmer head  38 , the powered tool in the preferred embodiment. On-off control and speed of engine  22  are controlled by on-off switch  48  and speed control  36 , respectively, through wire  50 .  
         [0050]     Quick-connect power take off  40  is attached to the end of throttle control arm  32 . Quick-connect power take on  42  is attached to the end of shaft  44 , which transfers power from item  42  to string-trimmer head  38 . Quick-connect power take off  40  and power take on  42  are secured by knob  46 .  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , flexible drive assembly  30  comprises rotating flexible drive shaft  52 , which rotates inside flexible, but stationary, sleeve  54 . The construction of flexible drive assembly  30  is well known to those skilled in those arts.  
         [0052]     Drive shaft assembly  56  of engine  22  comprises engine drive shaft  58 , which rotates inside housing  60 . Outer sleeve  66  of flexible drive assembly  30  is mounted permanently around the outer surface of housing  60 . Outer sleeve  66  is secured to housing  60  using a plurality of set screws  68 .  
         [0053]     Engine drive shaft  58  is machined at position  62  to permit connection to end plug  64  of flexible drive shaft  52  to allow transfer of power from engine drive shaft  58  to end plug  64  without slippage.  
         [0054]     The connection between flexible drive assembly  30  and throttle control arm  32  is depicted in  FIG. 5 . Flexible drive assembly  30  is connected to throttle control arm  32  via threaded coupling  70 . The end of flexible drive assembly  30  is connected to the end of threaded coupling  70  at point  72 . Throttle control arm  32  is connected to the opposite end of threaded coupling  70  at point  74 . End plug  76  is connected tightly to flexible drive shaft  52 . Item  76  is machined to fit inside the expanded end  80  of shaft  78 . Item  76  is secured to shaft  78  by a plurality of set screws  68 . The connection between flexible drive shaft  52  and shaft  78  is made to permit the transfer of rotational power from  52  to  78  without slippage. Shaft  78  rotates freely inside throttle control arm  32 .  
         [0055]     The connection between throttle control arm  32  and shaft  44  of a typical power tool is show in  FIG. 6 . Quick-connect power take off  40  comprises shaft  78  with end bell  82 . Shaft  78  rotates within bearing  90 , which minimizes the radial movement of  78  while in operation.  
         [0056]     Shaft  78  and end bell  82  are co-machined at position  84  so that  82  may be fitted tightly onto shaft  78 . Items  78  and  82  are secured by a plurality of set screws  68  which allow the rotational power of shaft  78  to be transmitted to end bell  82  without slippage. Item  82  and shaft  88  are also co-machined at position  86  so that shaft  88  may easily seek a proper fit in  82  while at the same time creating a connection at point  86  which transmits rotational power from  82  to  88  without slippage.  
         [0057]     Shaft  88  rotates within bearing  92 , which minimizes radial movement of  88  during operation. Shaft  88  has a lateral movement stop  94  secured to by a plurality of set screws  68 . Item  94  prevents the lateral movement of shaft  88  away from end bell  82 . Item  94  is constructed of a material which can rotate with minimal friction against Item  92 .  
         [0058]     Shaft  88  is expanded at point  96  to accept shaft  98 . Shaft  98  rotates within tube  44  and transmit rotational energy to the power tool. Shaft  88  is secured to shaft  98  by a plurality of set screws  68  so that rotational power of  88  may be transferred to  98  without slippage.  
         [0059]     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the outside diameter of throttle control arm  32  and tube  44  are approximately the same. Item  32  is fitted with collar  100  for a portion of its length. Collar  100  is joined to the outside surface of throttle control arm  32  at position  106 . Collar  100  extends beyond the end of throttle control arm  32  sufficiently to support tube  44  when it is inserted into collar  100 .  
         [0060]     As further shown in  FIG. 6 , tube  44  and collar  100  are through drilled at position  102 . The inside of tube  44  is fitted with spring loaded positioner  104 . The assembly of throttle control arm  32  with attached collar  100 , and end bell  82  connected to shaft  78  forms quick-connect power take off  40 . Tube  44 , fitted with shaft  88  and spring loaded positioner  104  form quick-connect power take on  42 .  
         [0061]     The quick-connection between quick-connect power take on  40  and quick-connect power take off  42  is formed by; first loosening knob  46 , then inserting tube  44  into position within collar  100  while allowing shaft  88  is properly fit into end bell  82 , then rotating  44  within  100  until spring loaded positioner  104  emerges through hole  102 , and finally hand tightening knob  46  to secure collar  100  around shaft  44 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 7A  shows the preferred embodiment in preparation for removal of the string-trimmer powered tool. To remove the string-trimmer tool, knob  46  is loosened by turning counter-clockwise. This frees collar  100 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 7B  shows the preferred embodiment shortly after knob  46  has been loosened and tube  44  has been removed from collar  100 .  
         [0064]     Operation of the preferred and alternate embodiments may be envisioned by referring to  FIG. 1 . User  28  prepares flex-drive backpack  20  for operation by connecting power supply unit  106  to string trimmer powered tool  108  at power take off  40  and power take on  42  and securing  106  to  108  by tightening knob  46 . The position of handle  34  is adjusted using positioning assembly  110  to suit the user&#39;s ergonomic preferences and the object of work.  
         [0065]     User  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of engine starting means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions string trimmer head  38  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , power take on  42 , and tube  44 , to string trimmer head  38 .  
         [0066]     Flex-drive assembly  30  allows the user  28  is move throttle control arm  32  and string trimmer head  38  to any desired position relative to the object of work independently of his own position. This feature permits user  28  to perform his desired task with optimal ergonomic position and least stress on the upper torso, back, and legs.  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 , once the work is done, user  28  switches off engine  22  by selecting the off position of switch  48 . User  28  then loosens straps  26  and removes backpack frame  24 .  
         [0068]     Further referring to  FIG. 7A , if work is intended using a different powered tool, user  28  loosens knob  46  by rotating it counter-clockwise. This loosens collar  100  which unclasps quick-connect power take off  40  from power take on  42 .  
         [0069]     Looking at  FIG. 4B , once released, user  28  pulls shaft  44  away from throttle control arm  32  which disengages quick-connect power take off  40  from quick-connect power take on  42 .  
       (2) Detailed Description of the First Alternative Embodiment  
       [0070]     The First Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 8A . If user  28  desires to trim hedges, he takes hedge trimmer powered tool  112  in hand and engages quick-connect power take off  40  and hedge trimmer quick-connect power take on  114  by sliding tube  116  into collar  100 .  
         [0071]     As viewed in  FIG. 8B , Item  112  is secured to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  clockwise until collar  100  is snug against tube  116 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  112  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 8A , and  8 B, user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions hedge trimmer cutting bar  118  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , power take on  114 , and tube  116 , to hedge trimmer cutting bar  118 .  
       (3) Detailed Description of the Second Alternative Embodiment  
       [0073]     The Second Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 9 . If user  28  desires to edge trim, he connects edge trimmer powered tool  120  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  122  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  122 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  120  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 9 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions edge trimmer cutting head  124  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  122 , to hedge trimmer cutting head  124 .  
       (4) Detailed Description of the Third Alternative Embodiment  
       [0075]     The Third Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 10 . If user  28  desires to cut branches with a chain saw, she connects chain saw powered tool  126  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  128  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  128 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  126  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0076]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions chain saw cutting chain  130  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  128 , to chain saw cutting chain  130 .  
       (5) Detailed Description of the Fourth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0077]     The Fourth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 11 . If user  28  desires to drill, he connects drill powered tool  132  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  134  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  134 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  132  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 11 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions drill bit  136  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  134 , to drill bit  136 .  
       (6) Detailed Description of the Fifth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0079]     The Fifth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 12 . If user  28  desires to grind or sand and object, she connects grinder/sander powered tool  138  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  140  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  140 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  138  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0080]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 12 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions grinding/sanding head  142  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  140 , to grinding/sanding head  142 .  
       (7) Detailed Description of the Sixth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0081]     The Sixth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 13 . If user  28  desires to unplug a drain pipe, he connects plumbing snake powered tool  144  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  146  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  146 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  144  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0082]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 13 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions plumbing snake coil  148  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  146 , to plumbing snake coil  148 .  
       (8) Detailed Description of the Seventh Alternative Embodiment  
       [0083]     The Seventh Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 14 . If user  28  desires to buff a floor, she connects floor buffer powered tool  150  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  152  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  152 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  150  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0084]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 14 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions buffer pad  154  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  152 , to buffer pad  154 .  
       (9) Detailed Description of the Eighth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0085]     The Eighth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 15 . If user  28  desires to pump out a sump which contains a pumpable liquid, he connects sump pump powered tool  156  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  158  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  158 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  156  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0086]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 15 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions sump pump  160  into the liquid to be pumped. User  28  positions hose  162  to direct the pumped liquid to the desired location. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  158 , to sump pump  160 .  
       (10) Detailed Description of the Ninth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0087]     The Ninth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 16 . If user  28  desires to use the invention as a blower, she connects blower powered tool  164  to throttle control arm  32  by rotating knob  46  counterclockwise enough to loosen collar  100  to allow tube  166  to slip inside Item  100 . Once in position, knob  46  is rotated clockwise to tighten collar  100  around tube  166 . User  28  adjusts handle  34  to an appropriate position to suit operation of powered tool  164  using handle positioning assembly  110 .  
         [0088]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 16 , user  28  switches on-off switch  48  to the on position and starts engine  22  by any number of means well known to those skilled in the art. User  28  places backpack  24  over the shoulders and adjusts straps  26  for comfort. User  28  grasps throttle control bar  32  and handle  34  and positions blower head  168  adjacent to the desired work area. User  28  then squeezes speed control  36  which causes the rotational speed of engine  22  to increase. The rotational power of item  22  is transferred through flex drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , power take off  40 , and tube  166 , to blower head  168 .  
       (11) Detailed Description of the Tenth Alternative Embodiment  
       [0089]     The Tenth Alternative Embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the flex-drive backpack  20  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  comprises, a electric motor  170 , with battery pack  172 , mounted on backpack frame  24 , with straps  26 , carried on the back of user  28 , with flexible drive assembly  30 , throttle control arm  32 , with adjustable handle  34 , on-off switch  48 , and speed control  36 , connected to a string-trimmer head  38 , the powered tool in the preferred embodiment. On-off control and speed of motor  170  are controlled by on-off switch  48  and speed control  36 , respectively, through wire  50 .  
       (12) The Invention is Not Limited to the Embodiments Described Above  
       [0090]     It is to be understood that the flexible drive back pack may be utilized with any number of powered tools and power supply units other than those described above. Accordingly, while only the preferred embodiment of the invention and specific modifications thereto have been described herein in detail, the invention is not limited thereby, and other modifications can be made within the scope of the attached claims.