Abstract:
A power assisted drill press having a feed cylinder fed by a variable pressure regulator which allows a user to controllably feed a bit and work material together while activating a drill motor to rotate the bit. An embodiment of the power assisted drill press utilizes a suction cup and venturi system for attachment of the press to a surface work material. The drill press uniquely allows a person to variably activate the feed cylinder and also activate the drill motor with a single hand.

Description:
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/412,701, filed Sep. 23, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates in general to drill press devices, and more particularly, to a novel drill press apparatus having a controlled power assisting feed mechanism and a vacuum holding system. 
   In a conventional drill press, a rack and pinion gear is typically used to linearly move the rotating drill chuck toward the work material. The rack and pinion system applies the force to the drill bit through said chuck. Said drill bit utilizes said force to bore through the work material. Unfortunately, a conventional drill press is often heavy, not portable, and unable to drill a hole onto a surface unless the work material is between the drill and drill press table or base. Even the commercially available drill press stands which utilize conventional hand held drill motors, exhibit the aforesaid undesirable features. Moreover, those commercially available drill presses which are reasonably portable rely upon a magnetic base or clamps for attachment, mounting, and holding. This unfortunately limits use to magnetically attachable materials such as steel or iron or tends to mark or deform the mounting surface respectfully. 
   The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a drill motor and chuck combination which is mounted with a motor frame and linearly actuated via the force of a feed cylinder. Preferably, the feed cylinder is a pneumatically actuated cylinder but may also be hydraulic, electromagnetic, or a mechanical force actuator in alternative embodiments. Also, the drill motor is preferably a commercially available pneumatically operated hand held drill with attached chuck but may also be electrically or hydraulically actuated, whether commercially available or custom built for the present art. The linearly moveable motor frame is movably mounted onto or with a press frame. The present art further provides for quick and easy securing and removal of the press onto a surface via the action of a suction cup. The suction cup attachment method allows for non-deforming attachment and mounting to surfaces which are either magnetic or non-magnetic. 
   An alternative embodiment of the present invention places the feed cylinder at a base plate instead of a top plate. This alternative embodiment allows the feed cylinder to apply force to and move the work material toward the drill bit instead of the drill bit moving toward the work material. This alternative embodiment preferably secures the drill motor to the top plate of said press frame which also functions as a motor frame. Further alternative embodiments may utilize both a feed cylinder on the top plate and a feed cylinder on the base plate. In this configuration, typically the shaft of the air cylinder mounted on the base plate contains a shaft tip having a recess for drill bit clearance when the bit bores through the work material. Alternative embodiments may forego use of the shaft tip without departing from the scope of the present art. 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a lightweight and portable power assisted drill press apparatus which only requires compressed air for operation. A further embodiment of the present invention provides a unique suction cup base which allows for mounting on any surface capable of holding the vacuum of said suction cup. This alternative mounting method allows for power assisted drilling on surfaces which otherwise would require drilling by hand. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved power assisted drill press which in a preferred embodiment is capable of full operation from a pneumatic supply. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved power assisted drill press which is portable and capable of controllably feeding the drill or work material via a user&#39;s actuation. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved power assisted drill press having a suction cup base which is capable of attaching to any surface which can maintain the suction cup vacuum, even if the surface is not planar or flat. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved power assisted drill press which allows a person to operate the apparatus with a single hand when required. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided an improved power assisted drill press apparatus for use in applications where a drill press is desired or required. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a drill motor and chuck combination which is mounted with a motor frame and linearly actuated via the force of a feed cylinder. Alternative embodiments utilize a suction cup which provides for quick and easy securing and removal of the press onto a surface via the suction action of said cup. Further alternative embodiments place the feed cylinder at a base of the apparatus, thereby applying force to the work material and moving said material toward the drill bit instead of the drill bit moving toward the work material. 
   Preferably, the feed cylinder is a pneumatically actuated cylinder but may also be hydraulic, electromagnetic, or a mechanical force actuator. Also, the drill motor is preferably a commercially available pneumatically operated hand held drill with attached chuck but may also be electrically or hydraulically actuated, whether commercially available or custom built for the present art. The linearly moveable motor frame is movably mounted onto or with a press frame. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the motor frame first comprises a motor plate having a hole through which said drill motor is placed and held, preferably with a set screw. In a preferred embodiment, the drill motor chuck and drill bit extends through the motor plate. Attached with said motor plate is the first end(s) of one or more guide rods. Said guide rods preferably attach opposite of said drill motor chuck and drill bit extension. A second end(s) of said guide rod(s) aligns with and moveably mates through one or more guide holes in a top plate of the press frame. The top plate of said press frame is mounted onto, near, or toward a first end of a frame support or shaft which extends and mounts with a frame base. 
   In the preferred embodiment, one or more springs are placed onto said guide rods between said second end(s) and said top plate of the press frame. Near said second end(s) is preferably placed one or more keepers to maintain said springs in position and compression on said rods, between said top plate and said keepers. Said springs serve to supply retraction force to the motor frame when the feed cylinder is not actuated. 
   Also mounted onto said top plate of said press frame is the feed cylinder. Preferably said feed cylinder mounts between said second ends of said guide rods. In the preferred embodiment, the feed cylinder supplies a force onto said drill motor or motor frame and thereby causes the combination, including the guide rods, to move toward the work material. In the preferred embodiment, the feed cylinder is pneumatically controlled with an air pressure regulator. That is, the air pressure regulator controls and regulates the air pressure in the cylinder via the user&#39;s desired input, thereby controlling the force which is placed onto the work material through the drill bit. 
   Preferably, the air pressure regulator is mounted with or near said motor frame whereby the hand of the user stays near and follows the drill motor actuation switch and pressure regulator as the drill bit approaches the work material. A unique feature claimed in an embodiment of the present invention and in furtherance of the foregoing is the ability of the user to utilize the index finger to control the speed of the drill motor and the thumb of the same hand to control the force on and movement of the drill bit. 
   One of the embodiments of the present invention utilizes a suction cup mounted with a second end of said frame support. The suction cup allows the drill press to be mounted onto and drill into a surface. This feature is especially useful when the work material cannot fit between the drill bit and base plate. The feature, unlike magnetic base drill presses, allows attachment to a surface even if the surface has a low magnetic permeability such as aluminum, low iron content metals, and non metals such as plastics and woods. Said suction cup is preferably evacuated and held in place via the vacuum of a venturi attached with said suction cup. In the preferred embodiment, a pneumatic switch or valve is located on or near the motor frame or motor plate and allows the user to easily supply compressed air to the venturi which supplies vacuum to the suction cup. 
   An alternative embodiment of the present invention places the feed cylinder at the base plate instead of the top plate. This alternative embodiment allows the feed cylinder to apply force to and move the work material toward the drill bit instead of the drill bit moving toward the work material. This alternative embodiment preferably secures the drill motor to the top plate of said press frame which also functions as the motor frame. 
   For all of the aforesaid pneumatic devices, i.e. motor, switch, regulator, venturi, or other device, a pneumatic source is presumed available and able to feed each of the aforesaid components. The aforesaid press and motor frames and associated components may be manufactured from a variety of materials including but not limited to metals and alloys thereof, plastics, and composites. In a preferred embodiment, the frame and associated components are manufactured from an aluminum alloy and the guide rods and frame support are manufactured from steel. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the power assisted drill press without the air feed lines and the suction cup. 
       FIG. 2  shows a left side plan view of the power assisted drill press with the air feed lines and the suction cup. The base plate is rotated into a position substantially near or in the same axis as the drill bit. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the power assisted drill press with the suction cup and base plate support and without the air feed lines. The base plate is rotated to serve as a stabilizing moment arm relative to the drill bit force when the suction cup is utilized. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the power assisted drill press with the suction cup and base plate support and without the air feed lines. The base plate is rotated into a position substantially near or in the same axis as the drill bit. 
       FIG. 5  shows a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the power assisted drill press with the air feed lines. This alternative embodiment has the air feed cylinder located with the base plate. 
       FIG. 6  shows a pneumatic schematic diagram of the air supply to the drill motor and valve, feed cylinder and regulator, and suction cup, venturi, and valve. 
       FIG. 7  shows a bottom plan view of the suction cup and mating plate of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross sectional view of the suction cup and mating plate of the present invention taken along line  7 — 7  in  FIG. 7 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, the improved power assisted drill press apparatus  10  is shown in its preferred and alternative embodiments. The apparatus  10  is especially useful in applications where a portable and self feeding drill press is desired or required and when said drill press requires non-destructive mounting on a non-magnetic surface. 
   The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a drill motor  18  and chuck  22  combination which is mounted with a motor frame  12  and linearly actuated via the force of a feed cylinder  40 . Preferably, the feed cylinder  40  is a pneumatically actuated cylinder but may also be hydraulic, electromagnetic, or a mechanical force actuator. Also, the drill motor  18  is preferably a commercially available pneumatically operated hand held drill with attached chuck  22  but may also be electrically or hydraulically actuated, whether commercially available or custom built for the present art. The linearly moveable motor frame  12  is movably mounted onto or with a press frame  51 . The present art further provides for quick and easy securing and removal of the press  10  onto a surface via the action of a suction cup  68 . A drill bit or equivalent element, including but not limited to countersink bits, reamer bits, taps, or deburring tool bits, are typically mounted within said chuck  22  to perform the desired drilling operation, but alternative embodiments may forgo use of the chuck  22  and utilize other means to attach the drill bit or equivalent element to the drill motor  18 . In the preferred embodiment, said bit is opposite yet substantially pointing toward a plane of a second end  61  of a frame support  58  of said press frame  51 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the motor frame  12  first comprises a motor plate  14  having a hole  16  through which said drill motor  18  is placed and held, preferably with a set screw  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the drill motor  18 , chuck  22 , and drill bit extends through the motor plate  14 . Attached with said motor plate  14  is the first end(s)  28  of one or more guide rods  26 . In the preferred embodiment, two guide rods  26  are utilized. Said guide rods  26  preferably attach opposite of said drill motor  18 , chuck  22  and drill bit extension. Alternative embodiments may place or locate said guide rods  26  at various locations on or with said motor plate  14  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. A second end(s)  30  of said guide rod(s)  26  aligns with and moveably mates through one or more guide holes  38  in a top plate  36  of the press frame  51 . Alternative embodiments may attach the drill motor  18  and chuck  22  combination in a plurality of ways including but not limited to clamps, welds, or bolts. 
   In the preferred embodiment, one or more springs  34  are placed onto said guide rods  26  between said second end(s)  30  and said top plate  36  of the press frame  51 . Near said second end(s)  30  is preferably placed one or more keepers  32  to maintain or contain said springs  34  in position and compression on said rods  26 , between said top plate  36  and said keepers  32 . Said springs  34  serve to supply retraction force to the motor frame  12  when the feed cylinder  40  is not actuated. Alternative embodiments may utilize springs in tension between said top plate  36  and said motor plate  14 , supply retraction force with an air cylinder, or forego use of said springs  34  completely. 
   Also mounted onto said top plate  36  of said press frame  51  is the feed cylinder  40 . Said top plate  36  having a through hole  48  for the moving shaft  44  of said cylinder  40  to contact and linearly move the drill motor  18  or motor frame  12 . Preferably said feed cylinder  40  mounts between said second ends  30  of said guide rods  26 . The feed cylinder  40  also is preferably mounted with threads into said through hole  48  of said top plate  36 . Alternative embodiments may utilize any location or method of attachment of said feed cylinder  40  onto said top plate  36  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the feed cylinder  40  supplies a force onto said drill motor  18  or motor frame  12  and thereby causes the combination, including the guide rods  26 , to move toward the work material. In the preferred embodiment, the feed cylinder  40  is pneumatically controlled with a pneumatic or air pressure regulator  64 . That is, the air pressure regulator  64  controls and regulates the value of the air pressure in the cylinder  40  via the user&#39;s desired input, thereby controlling the force which is placed onto the work material through the drill bit. That is, the air pressure regulator  64  has an activating lever  67  or switch which may be pushed to control the pneumatic pressure supplied by the regulator. As the lever  67  or switch is pushed or displaced, the pneumatic or air pressure supplied from the output port  66  increases relative to the aforesaid displacement. In the preferred embodiment, the output port  66  of the air pressure regulator  64  pneumatically feeds a pneumatic input port  42  of the feed cylinder  40  thereby creating a linear force onto said shaft  44  relative to the displacement of said lever  67 . When the air pressure regulator  64  is released, the pressurized output port  66  is vented to atmosphere, thereby venting the feed cylinder  40  and allowing the motor frame  12  to retract via the action of said springs  34 . In the preferred embodiment, the pressure regulator  64  is an MAR-1CP manufactured by Clippard. Alternative embodiments may utilize other brands or models of pressure regulators for cylinder movement. 
   Preferably, the air pressure regulator  64  is mounted with or near said motor frame  12  whereby the hand of the user stays near and follows the drill motor actuation switch  20  and pressure regulator  64  as the drill bit approaches the work material. A unique feature claimed in an embodiment of the present invention and in furtherance of the foregoing is the ability of the user to utilize the index finger to control the speed of the drill motor  18  via the actuation switch  20  and the thumb of the same hand to displace the lever  67  of the regulator  64  to control the force on and movement of the drill bit. 
   The top plate  36  of said press frame  51  is mounted onto or near a first end  59  of a frame support  58  or shaft which extends and mounts with a frame base  52 , thereby forming a gap between said frame base  52  and the bit. The preferred embodiment utilizes a cylindrical shaft  58  on which the frame base  52  may pivot or rotate. That is, the frame base  52  preferably has a through hole  60  of substantially the same size as the frame support shaft  58 , thereby allowing the base  52  to pivotably fit over the support shaft  58 . The frame base  52  preferably has one or more set screws  62  impinging onto the support shaft  58  to slidably hold said base  52  onto and at a desired position with said support shaft  58 . Alternative embodiments may utilize other methods or means of mechanically fastening said frame base  52  onto said support shaft  58  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. These include but are not limited to welds, threads, screws and bolts, frictional fits, and/or integral molding or casting. 
   In the preferred embodiment, said frame base  52  comprises a base plate  54  having the aforesaid support shaft hole  60 . Alternative embodiments may utilize a frame base  52  having a plurality of shapes or sizes. Unique to the base plate  54  of the present invention is the extension of a base plate support  56 , preferably a bolt or screw, from the base plate opposite the side closest to the drill bit. This feature is especially useful in conjunction with the suction cup  68  attachment embodiment. When utilized apart from the suction cup  68  attachment embodiment, the base plate  54  is typically rotated and secured under the drill bit. This allows the work material to be placed between the drill bit and base plate  54  during the drilling operation. 
   One of the embodiments of the present invention utilizes a suction cup  68  mounted with a second end  61  of said support shaft  58 . The suction cup  68  allows the drill press  10  to be mounted onto and drill into a surface. This feature is especially useful when the work material cannot fit between the drill bit and base plate  54 . This feature, unlike magnetic base drill presses, allows attachment to a surface even if the surface has a low magnetic permeability such as aluminum, low iron content metals, and non metals such as plastics and woods. 
   Said suction cup  68  is preferably evacuated and held in place via the vacuum of a venturi  74  attached with said suction cup  68 . The suction cup  68  is commercially available from Schalmz GmbH, yet is modified for the present art. Other commercial manufacturers such as Anver and others provide equivalent suction cups which may be utilized with the present art. Within the cup cavity  70  is placed a mating plate  72  with a mating surface  73  which substantially conforms to the surface of the work material. In the preferred embodiment, the plate  72  is attached within said cup cavity  70  yet the mating surface  73  is positioned such that it does not extend beyond the surface represented by the large circumference of the suction cup  68 . When the suction cup  68  is placed onto the work surface and the venturi  74  evacuates or draws a suction on said cup  68 , the mating surface  73  of the mating plate  72  contacts the work surface thereby stabilizing the press frame  51 . Alternative embodiments may forego utilization of the mating plate  72 . The base plate  54  with its base plate support  56  is typically pivoted or rotated opposite or away from the location of drill bit contact with the work material and secured to the frame support shaft  58 . The base plate support  56  is extended from the base plate  54  to contact the work surface and help stabilize the press frame  51  during the drilling operation. That is, the base plate  54  serves as a moment arm to provide a counteracting force relative to the drill bit force in order to maintain proper orientation of the press frame  51 . Said base plate support  56  is preferably a threaded bolt or screw but may also comprise any mechanical support device which is capable of contacting the work surface and help stabilize the press frame  51 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, a pneumatic switch  76  or valve is located on or near the motor frame  12  or motor plate  14  and allows the user to easily supply compressed air to the venturi  74  which supplies vacuum to the suction cup  68 . Since this switch  76  is located near the user&#39;s hand, the user may easily turn on the pneumatic switch  76  prior to a drilling operation in order to secure the device via venturi  74  vacuum to the work surface. When the switch  76  is positioned in an off position, compressed air is no longer supplied to the venturi  74  and the venturi  74  allows the suction cup  68  to vent to atmosphere. In the preferred embodiment the venturi  74  comprises a Fastvac #VP00-60H manufactured by Vaccon but other manufacturers also commercially manufacture an equivalent venturi. In the preferred embodiment, the venturi  74  is mounted upon the base plate but may be mounted at any location which is desired, provided the suction cup  68  receives the required vacuum. 
   An alternative embodiment of the present invention places the feed cylinder  40  at the base plate  54  instead of the top plate  36 . This alternative embodiment allows the feed cylinder  40  to apply force to and move the work material toward the drill bit or drill motor  18  instead of the drill bit moving toward the work material. This alternative embodiment preferably secures the drill motor  18  to the top plate  36  of said press frame  51  which also functions as the motor frame  12 . Further alternative embodiments may utilize both a feed cylinder  40  on the top plate  36  and a feed cylinder  40  on the base plate  54 . In this configuration, typically the shaft  44  of the feed cylinder  40  mounted on the base plate  54  contains a shaft tip  46  having a recess for drill bit clearance when the bit bores through the work material. Alternative embodiments may forego use of the shaft tip  46  without departing from the scope of the present art. 
   In operation, the user first connects an pneumatic compressed air supply to the power assisted drill press  10  of the present art. If the user desires to drill a work material which will fit between the base plate  54  of the frame base  52  and the drill bit, the user rotates and secures the base plate  54  in a position substantially near or in the same axis as the drill bit. The user then places the work material between said base plate  54  and the drill bit and activates or presses on the air pressure regulator  64  activating switch or lever  67  to begin application of a user variable pressure to the feed cylinder  40 . As the drill bit is moved near or onto the work material due to the movement of the feed cylinder  40 , the user activates the drill motor  18  via a valve or switch  20  which energizes the drill and rotates the drill bit. As the drill bit contacts the work material, the user may further press the air pressure variable regulator  64  activating switch or lever  67  to supply a higher pressure to the feed cylinder  40  and thereby increase the force on the drill bit. As the force on the drill bit increases, generally the speed of cutting increases. After the user completes the drilling procedure, the user may release the air pressure regulator  64  activating switch or lever  67  to vent the feed cylinder  40  to atmosphere, thereby allowing retraction of the drill bit from the work material. The suction cup  68  may be utilized to stabilize or secure the press onto a surface during the drilling process. 
   The alternative embodiment having the feed cylinder  40  located with the base plate  54 , functions much as aforesaid. That is, the user places work material between the drill bit and the feed cylinder  40  shaft tip  46  and performs the same aforesaid operation. Instead of the drill bit moving relative to the press frame  51 , the press frame  51  moves relative to the work material via the action of the feed cylinder  40 . 
   If the user should desire to drill a hole in a surface work material which cannot be placed between the base plate  54  and the drill bit, the user then utilizes the aforesaid suction cup  68  to secure the press frame  51 . That is, the user preferably first rotates the base plate  54  to a position substantially opposite the drill bit in order to serve as a stabilizing moment arm relative to the drill force. The base plate  54  is then secured via the set screw  62  impinging upon the frame support shaft  58 . The user then turns on the valve  76  which supplies compressed air to the venturi  74  which then evacuates the suction cup  68  and draws the press frame  51  onto the surface with the mating plate  72  within the cup cavity  70  contacting the surface of the work material. The user may then adjust the base plate support  56  to contact the work material surface and allow the base plate  54  to provide the necessary counteracting moment arm relative to the drill bit. The user then repeats the aforesaid steps of activating the regulator  64  via the lever  67  and drill motor  18  via the actuation switch  20  to move the drill bit into contact with the work surface and drill the desired hole. Alternative embodiments may perform the aforesaid functions without utilization of the mating plate  72  or base plate  54 . 
   From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that all objects of the present invention are realized. A power assisted drill press apparatus for drilling in non-conventional applications where a drill press is desired or required is shown and described. The drill press of the present art is especially suited to applications where portability is desired and with its suction cup mounting is especially useful for mounting upon surfaces which are non-magnetic. 
   Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.