Abstract:
A power tool with an auxiliary handle which is easily securable to and removable from the tool. The auxiliary handle provides additional functionality, beyond being merely a handle. The auxiliary handle is detachably engaged to the power tool for working as a side handle via a “quick-connect” mechanism, which locks the handle in place either automatically or with a simple movement, and which can be released by a simple movement. The handle also serves a secondary function. For example, its quick-connect mechanism can be so configured as to receive a screwdriver bit. When removed from the power tool, the handle can act as a screwdriver handle. The handle may include compartments or slots to retain a variety of screwdriver bits or other components. The handle could be a screwdriver with auto lock bit or bit holder.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a formal application based on, and claiming the benefit of, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/277,261, filed on Jan. 11, 2016. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to power tools, and specifically to power tools having auxiliary handles, for example power drills having an auxiliary handle extending laterally therefrom. 
         [0003]    It is an object of the invention to eliminate many separate tool-handling steps in fastening operations which previously required separate tools for drilling, and for securing the screw fastener in place or removing the burs from drilling, grinding operation. Other areas in which the present invention may be useful is in situations where the user is required to fasten articles with screws from a ladder, scaffold or the like where there is no convenient place to set down power tools such as drills, screwdrivers and the like. The present invention provides a combination tool which eliminates many of the handling steps previously required in such operations. 
         [0004]    Heavy power drills or other power tools normally include pistol-shaped housings having a grip which is grasped by a user with one hand, and often an auxiliary handle grasped by the user&#39;s other hand, for two-handed operation so as to get better balance and control. Normally the auxiliary handle is secured to the housing, typically by screwing it into a threaded recess in the housing or by removably clamping to the drill housing, and functions strictly as an auxiliary handle, with no other function. Attaching or removing the auxiliary handle is not made simple. 
         [0005]    In today&#39;s new age of compact light weight corded or cordless drills and impact drivers exceeding certain torque ratings, the auxiliary handles are used for safety reasons. UL standards now recommend these auxiliary handles as a mandatory requirement on tools exceeding certain torque value. 
         [0006]    In view of the preceding, it would therefore be advantageous to develop a power tool combined with an auxiliary handle which is easy to install or remove, and which preferably provides additional functionality, instead of being just a handle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a power tool with an auxiliary handle which is easily securable to and removable from the tool. 
         [0008]    It is a further object, of preferred embodiments, for the auxiliary handle to provide additional functionality, beyond being merely a handle. 
         [0009]    The auxiliary handle is detachably engaged to the power tool for working as a side handle, preferably via a “quick-connect” mechanism which locks the handle in place either automatically or with a simple movement (of a locking collar, for example), and which can be released by a simple movement (of a locking collar, for example). 
         [0010]    Preferably, the handle serves a secondary function. For example, its quick-connect mechanism can be so configured as to receive a screwdriver bit. Thus when removed from the power tool, the handle can act as a screwdriver handle. The handle may include compartments or slots to retain a variety of screwdriver bits or other components. The handle could be a screwdriver with auto lock bit or bit holder. 
         [0011]    In some examples, the quick-connect mechanism may be detachable from the driver handle, for insertion into the chuck of the power drill, so that the screws may be driven by the power drill, not just by hand with the handle. 
         [0012]    With such examples, a user is able to drill a hole, then activate the quick-connect mechanism to release the handle from the tool, insert a bit in the quick-connect mechanism, and proceed to drive the screw, either by hand with the handle, or in some examples by opting to remove the quick-connect mechanism and inserting it in the chuck of the drill. For multiple screw locations, multiple holes can easily be drilled, and then screws can be driven into each hole by hand or with the power drill. 
         [0013]    The principle of the invention can be adapted to other power tools such as power grinding tools, power saws (such as Sawzall brand reciprocating saws for example), power chisels, etc. For other such tools, it may be advantageous to provide the quick-connect/quick release aspect of the invention, regardless of whether or not the handle provides additional functionality. However, the handle may also provide additional functionality, such as operating as a screwdriver, or hand saw, or other desired function, and may be used to provide storage for any desired tool components or the like. 
         [0014]    Further details of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description and drawings of specific embodiments of the invention, as examples. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a view of first example of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the quick-connect mechanism is separable from the handle; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4 . is an exploded view of the device of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a view of alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein impact extension is included in stored in the auxiliary handle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a view of power tool with built in quick connect mechanism; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a view of third embodiment of the invention, in which the auxiliary handle is detachable connect with power tool at the free hold end; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a view of alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein a handguard is included; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a view of another alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein a tools or tool accessories carrier is shown; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is another view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 9 , wherein the carrier is retracted from the handle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A-11B  is another embodiment of the invention, wherein the handle has a button to control the hand tool; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12A-12B  is another embodiment of the invention, wherein the auxiliary handle has the bit store function; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13A-13B  is another embodiment of the invention, wherein the auxiliary handle has a function switching accessory; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14A-14B  is another embodiment of the invention, wherein the auxiliary handle has another function switching accessory; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is another embodiment of the invention, wherein the auxiliary handle has the function of sucking dust. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    A first example of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The housing of the power drill  5  has a bracket  4  detachably or permanently fixed on the housing  6 . On the bracket  4 , there is a handle mounting shank  3 . An auxiliary handle  1  is releasably engaged to the handle mounting shank  3  by a quick-connect mechanism  2 , and includes a fixed end  11  and a free end  12  for users to hold. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the bracket  4  could be adjusted around the housing  6 , so that the orientation of the handle mounting shank  3  can be varied relative to the output axis and so as to adjust the orientation of the auxiliary handle in order to accommodate various user handle orientation preferences (for example left-handed vs. right-handed). 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the quick-release mechanism may be permanently attached to the handle. However, preferably the auxiliary handle  1  has a central hole  32  in the fixed end  11 , and the quick-connect mechanism  2  has a quick-connect shank  22  which extends into the central hole  32 . The quick-connect mechanism is separable from the handle body  1 , so that the quick-connect shank  22  can then be inserted in the chuck  16 , and a screwdriver bit can be inserted in the quick-connect so that the power drill can be used to drive a screw with the screwdriver bit. 
         [0034]    Optionally, there are detents (spring-ball detents for example) in the central hole  32  to releasably retain the quick-connect shank  22 , or there could be a second quick-connect mechanism to retain the quick-connect shank  22 . Alternatively, since there should be no axial forces in normal operation, there could be just a sufficiently tight friction fit to prevent the handle body from falling off. The shape of the handle shown in figures is generally cylindrical, however, it should be understood that a variety of geometries could be used to accomplish similar results. 
         [0035]    The quick-connect mechanism  2  could be, for example, as described as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,321. However, any suitable quick-connect mechanism could be used in this invention. 
         [0036]    The quick-connect mechanism  2  includes a central longitudinal hole  21  that can detachably engage the handle mounting shank  3 , and a quick-connect shank  22  at second end facing the handle body  1 . The central longitudinal hole  21  has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the handle mounting shank  3 . The quick-connect shank  22  has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the central hole  32  of the auxiliary handle  1 . 
         [0037]    The cross-sections of the central longitudinal hole  21  and the quick-connect shank  22  of the quick-connect mechanism  2 , the handle mounting shank  3  and the central hole  32  of the auxiliary handle  1  are hexagonal in the drawings. However, it should be understood that a variety of geometries could be used to accomplish a similar result. 
         [0038]    To attach the auxiliary handle  1  to the power drill, the handle mounting shank  3  is engaged in the central longitudinal hole  21  of the quick-connect mechanism  2  and the quick-connect shank  22  of the quick-connect mechanism  2  is detachably engaged in the central hole  32  of the auxiliary handle  1 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 or 2 , at the free end of the auxiliary handle  1 , a plurality of channels  9  are formed within the handle for receiving and storing a plurality of tools or tool accessories  8  such as tool bits, drill bits, saw blades and so on, to be used with the power tool or the auxiliary handle  1 . The channel  9  could have two ends that are finger-accessible by fingers to push tools in or pull tools out of the channel. The tools or tool accessories  8  in the handle could be removable and installed in the auxiliary handle or in the power tool, preferably with one hand. Storing the tools/tool accessories in the channel of the auxiliary handle  1  could also enhance the strength of the handle  1  and make the handle  1  stronger. The auxiliary handle may be of plastic, for example, and the tool accessories such as tool bits may be of metal and elongated, thus providing additional strength and rigidity. 
         [0040]    When a hand tool is needed, the auxiliary handle  1  could be detached from the power tool by releasing the quick-connect mechanism  2 . When the auxiliary handle is detached from the power tool with the quick-connect mechanism  2 , it could be used as a quick-connect screw driver. When the auxiliary handle is detached from the power tool without the quick-connect mechanism  2 , a bit from the channel  9  could be taken out and be inserted and locked directly into the central hole  32  of the handle  1  and the handle  1  could be used as a screw driver. 
         [0041]    In this example, the auxiliary handle  1  is detachably connected with the quick-connect mechanism  2 . The quick-connect mechanism  2  is not necessary detachable from the handle. 
         [0042]    Optionally, the quick-connect mechanism  2  could be omitted and the handle could detachably be connected to the power tool by any normal mechanism. 
         [0043]    Another example of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this example, the auxiliary handle  1  is detachably engaged with the power tool  5  by a housing  31  on the power tool  5 . The fixed end  11  of the handle could be insert in the housing  31  to engage the auxiliary handle  1  with the power tool. Optionally, the fixed end  11  could be screwed on the housing by screw threads or by any other means normally used in this area. 
         [0044]    Optionally, a handle mounting shank  3  could also be used to engage with the central hole  32  on the handle  1  to help strengthen the engagement of the auxiliary handle  1  with the power tool. 
         [0045]    The quick-connect mechanism  2  could also be used for coupling to the power tool output chuck  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this situation, a tool such as a tool bit, drill bit or a similar device could be coupled to the rotary output shaft. 
         [0046]    Optionally, the channel  9  could also be used to store impact extensions  43  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The power tool could be an impact driver  44  and the impact extension  43  could be used with the impact driver  44  as an impact hand tool. The impact extensions could also be used with the auxiliary handle  1  as an extended screw driver. Because the impact extension  43  is long, the strength of the auxiliary handle  1  could be enhanced dramatically by storing the impact extensions  43  in the channel  9 . 
         [0047]    Alternative, the power tool output could include a built-in quick-connect mechanism  41  for mounting tool bits, as shown in  FIG. 6 . A 3-jaw drill chunk  42  could also be connected with the quick-connect mechanism  41  for using a round shaft bit or tool accessories on the power tool. 
         [0048]    A third example of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In this example, the free end  12  for users to hold of the auxiliary handle  1  is releasably engaged to the handle mounting shank  3  of the power drill. In this example, the free end  12  includes a central hole  45 , which can be engaged with the mounting shank  3 . 
         [0049]    Because of connecting by the free end  12 , the mounting shank  3  could be long and extend all the length of the auxiliary handle  1 , therefore the engagement of the auxiliary handle land the power tool  5  could be stronger and stabler. 
         [0050]    The free end  12  could be engaged with the mounting shank  3  by any normal mechanical means. For example, the free end  12  could include a quick connect mechanism in the central hole  45  to engage with the mounting shank  3 . 
         [0051]    Optionally, a hand guard  51  could also be included at the free end  12  of the auxiliary handle  1 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The hand guard  51  could protect the hand against heat or abrasive material from the power tool operation. 
         [0052]    The handguard  51  could be detachable installed on the mounting shank  3  too. Optionally, one side of the handguard  51  could include an abrasive layer  52  for deburring. This could add more functions to the invention. 
         [0053]    Optionally, the auxiliary handle  1  could include a tools or tool accessories carrier  53  for holding and access the tool accessories, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The carrier  53  could hold the tools or tool accessories  53  in the handle  1  as shown in  FIG. 9  and the carrier  53  is retractable from the handle for accessing the tools or tool accessories stored in the handle as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0054]    From the description, it can be seen that the tools in the invention could be used in different ways and the power tool could have different functions. 
         [0055]    A fourth example of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . In this example, the power tool is a hammer drill  120  and it can be used in a much more efficient manner. The auxiliary handle has different mode settling that are lockable selectable without shifting hand/grip. The hand power tool can be in a drilling mode. By pressing a lock/unlock button  101 , the mode can be changed from drilling as in  FIG. 11A  to hammer drilling mode in  FIG. 11B . Alternatively, the mode could be switched from drilling to tapping. 
         [0056]    The fifth example of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 12A and 12B . In this example, the auxiliary handle has an added feature/function to deploy required tool bits from a specific project within the handle. These bits/tools are  102  indexably selectable by rotation and locking the auxiliary handle in desired position.  FIG. 12B  shows the bit  102  loaded into tool spindle for application. 
         [0057]    The sixth example of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 13A and 13B . In this example, the power tool is an impact wrench with auxiliary handle. The handle deploys a function switching accessory  103  locked within. In  FIG. 13B , the accessory  103  is being attached to the end of power tool spindle to convert this impact wrench to impact driver with quick bit change feature. 
         [0058]    The seventh example of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 14A and 14B . In this example, the power tool is a drill with three jaw chuck and auxiliary handle. The handle deploys a function switching accessory  104 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , the accessory being chucked into drill for converting its application from drilling to driving. 
         [0059]    The eighth example of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . In this example, the power tool is a power drill  120  and the auxiliary handle  125  has additional function of collecting dust from drilling. As shown in the  FIG. 15 , a power drill has an adjustable lock bushing  129  to lock drill bit  127 . A sucking cup  122  is connected to the bushing  129  through a compression spring  128 . A sucking unit  121  (normally a fan) is set on the front of the auxiliary handle  125  and the sucking unit  121  is connected to the suction cup  122  through telescoping pipe  123 . A dust collector  126  is attached to the end of the auxiliary handle  125 . The sucking unit  121  and the dust collector  126  are connected through the hollow chamber of the auxiliary handle  125 . A dial  124  is set on the auxiliary handle  125  shows selectable positions ON/OFF to control the suction unit  121  on or off. While the power drill works, and by using the dial  124  to turn on the suck unit  121 , the dust from drilling will be sucked by power of the suck unit  121  from the suction cup  122  and then to the sucking unit  121  through the telescoping pipe  123  and then enter the dust collector  126  through chamber on the auxiliary. All the dust from drilling could be collected in the dust collector  126 , which can be empty when it is full. With this structure, dust collecting can be simplified and be easy to handle during the drilling operation. 
         [0060]    It will be evident to those knowledgeable in the field of the invention that many variations on the examples described above are conceivable within the scope of the invention. It should therefore be understood that the claims which define the invention are not restricted to the specific examples(s) described above. Possible variations include, for example, the orientation of the handle mounting shank  3  can be varied relative to the output axis and to adjust the orientation of the auxiliary handle to accommodate various user handle orientation preferences (for example left-handed vs. right-handed). 
         [0061]    Further variations may be apparent or become apparent to those knowledgeable in the field of the invention, within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow. For example, the auxiliary handle could be detachably engaged with the power tool by any mechanism and the quick-connect mechanism could be omitted.