Patent Publication Number: US-6712637-B2

Title: Power tool cord retainer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/873,658 filed on Jun. 4, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,753. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to power cord retention devices and more particularly to a power cord retention device for a portable AC powered tool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many power tools require an extension power cord to connect the power tool to an AC power source. Portable AC powered tools such as hedge trimmers or string trimmers typically have male electrical contact blades in the housing of the power tool that connect to a female electrical receptacle plug at the end of an extension power cord. A common problem with portable AC powered tools is how to secure the extension power cord to the power tool in such a manner that it will not easily pull free during operation of the power tool. This is complicated by variations in the design of power cords that make one solution for securing a power cord not necessarily practical for all power cords. Further, some power tools are often operated in a way that strains the connection between the power cord and the AC power jack of the power tool. For example, an operator can carry a hedge trimmer with the extension power cord in tow thus causing an intermittent tugging or strain to the power cord connection. As a result of both the constant vibration of the tool together with the intermittent movement of the operator, the power cord can easily pull free of the tool&#39;s AC power jack. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a power cord retaining device that will operate with a variety of extension power cords and which will even more securely hold the extension cord to the power tool in spite of movement and vibration that is common in the operation of the power tool. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a system for more securely holding a female plug of an extension power cord to a portable AC power tool. It is a further object to provide a system that is easily used by an operator, and which securely holds the power cord secured to the tool&#39;s AC power jack in spite of vibration and movement of the power tool during use thereof. An additional object is to provide a cord retaining system that will work with a variety of extension power cord types including a variety of differently shaped plugs. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that is easy to use and understand by its operator and which does not require the use of external tools or fasteners to secure the plug head of an extension power cord to an AC power jack of a power tool. 
     The present invention is directed to a cord retaining system associated with a housing of a portable power tool. The system provides a secure connection that can be quickly and easily effected between the power tool and the power cord so that the power cord cannot be accidentally pulled free from engagement with a power jack of the tool during use of the power tool. 
     In operation, the female plug at one end of the power cord is secured to the body or housing of the power tool by a retaining member that pulls the plug towards the body or housing of the power tool once the plug is engaged in a mating AC power jack disposed in the housing. In one preferred form, the retaining member comprises a linearly moveable yoke adapted to engage a plug of an AC power cord. A release member engages a portion of the yoke to hold the yoke in a locking position once the yoke has secured a plug of the power cord to the power jack. The retaining yoke holds the plug securely to the power tool by a locking system that can be easily disengaged by the power tool operator when it is necessary to uncouple the power cord from the tool. Advantageously, neither engagement of the yoke to the plug head or disengagement therefrom requires the use of any external tool(s) by the operator. 
     The retaining system incorporates locking components with opposing surfaces that when engaged prevent movement of the yoke in one longitudinal or rotational direction. In one preferred form the yoke includes one serrated surface, and the release member, disposed in proximity to the yoke, includes a mating serrated surface. The serrated surfaces are angled such that movement in one direction is allowed while attempted movement in the opposite direction causes the teeth of the serrated surfaces to engage and prevent movement. A biasing component is used to hold the opposing serrated surfaces together, therefore allowing movement of the yoke only in the locking direction. By actuating the release member the serrated surfaces are forced apart, thus allowing the retaining yoke to move in an unlocking direction to a position allowing the operator to free the power cord from the retaining yoke and the power cord jack. 
     In one preferred embodiment the retaining yoke slides longitudinally within a housing of the power tool, and the yoke includes a serrated surface on a side edge thereof. A spring forces the opposing surface edge of the release member against the serrated edge of the yoke. 
     In a second preferred embodiment the retaining yoke slides longitudinally within the housing of the power tool and the retaining system includes a serrated surface on a top planar surface of the retaining yoke. The retaining yoke opposes a serrated surface on the release member, and a portion of the release member protrudes through a portion of the housing. The release member comprises a flexible member having a curved form. The curved form of the mechanism allows a biasing force to be exerted against the opposing serrated surface of the retaining yoke, thus preventing the yoke from moving in an unlocking direction unless the release member is engaged by the operator so as to lift it away from the serrated surface on the retaining yoke. 
     In a third preferred embodiment the retaining yoke rotationally moves within the housing of the power tool and comprises a rotationally moveable yoke adapted to engage a plug of the AC power cord. The retaining member has a central hub about which the retaining member moves. The central hub has a circumferentially arranged serrated surface that engages a corresponding serrated surface on a release housing portion disposed in the housing of the power tool. A compression spring in the housing portion of the cord retaining system and the hub continuously urges the serrated surface of the retaining member against the serrated surface of the release housing portion. In a locked position the retaining member engages a plug head of a power cord to retain the plug head engaged with an AC power jack in the tool housing. 
     To release the retaining member, a button that is attached to the hub of the retaining member is depressed. This urges the serrated surface of the retaining member away from the serrated surface on the inside of the release housing portion. The retaining member can be rotated away from the AC power jack to allow the power cord plug head to be easily removed. The orientation of the serrated surfaces allows the retaining member to only be moved toward the AC power jack if the button is not being engaged. It is only when the button is engaged that the retaining member can be rotated away from the AC power jack. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the retaining member the retaining yoke is slightly curved and comprises boss members that interact with the power cord plug head and aid in holding the power cord plug head in contact with the AC power jack in the power tool housing. In this embodiment the retaining yoke is particularly adapted to accommodate a variety of differing shapes and sizes of power cord plug heads. As with the third preferred embodiment, the retaining yoke moves rotationally within the housing of the power tool. 
     In another alternative embodiment of the retaining member the serrated surface of the retaining member and the corresponding serrated surface of the power tool housing interact to restrict but not prevent the movement of the retaining member in a direction away from the AC power jack. This alternative non-locking embodiment prevents damage to the retaining member and possibly other parts of the power cord retaining system in the event of a significant force applied against the retaining member. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment the power cord retaining system is provided in combination with a second cooperating retaining system. The separate retaining system comprises an opening and a hook in the power tool housing for allowing a loop of the power cord to be inserted through the opening and around the hook, thus restricting the movement of the power cord. The combined effect of the two retaining systems operating in cooperation further prevents the unintended displacement of the power cord plug from the AC power jack in the power tool housing while the power tool is in operation. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hedge trimmer as an exemplary portable power tool with the power cord retaining system of the present invention incorporated into its housing; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of a portion of the power tool housing of FIG. 1, taken in accordance with section line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1, depicting the power cord retaining system in the locked position holding a power cord receptacle to a mating electrical power jack of the power tool; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross section of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting the power cord retaining system in the unlocked position with a plug head of a power cord pulled back from the mating electrical receptacle in the housing; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the power cord retaining member; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the release button for the power cord retaining system; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross sectional top view of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting just the power cord retaining member with the release member engaging the retaining member; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross sectional top view of the power tool housing of FIG. 1 depicting the power cord retaining member with the release member disengaged from the retaining member; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional end view of the power cord retaining member and release member taken in accordance with section line  8 — 8  in FIG. 6 with the release member in the engaged position. 
     FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional end view of the power cord retaining member taken in accordance with section line  9 — 9  in FIG. 6 illustrating the retaining yoke supported by opposing flanges within the housing; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross section of a portion of the power tool housing depicting a second alternative preferred embodiment of the power cord retaining system in the locked position holding a power cord receptacle; 
     FIG. 11 shows the power tool of FIG. 10 but with the retaining system in the unlocked position; 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the power cord retaining member and release member of the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable power tool depicting a third alternative preferred embodiment of the power cord retaining system incorporated into a housing of a power tool, with the retaining system shown in the open position; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the portable power tool of FIG. 13 with a retaining member of the power cord retaining system in the closed position, thus retaining a power cord plug to the AC power jack of the tool housing; 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective front view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14; 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective back view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the power tool housing of FIG. 14, taken in accordance with section line  17 — 17  in FIG. 14, depicting the power cord retaining system with the retaining member engaged with the serrated surface of the housing member; 
     FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14, with the retaining member disengaged from the serrated surface of the housing member; 
     FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the power cord retaining system of FIGS. 13 and 14, taken in accordance with section line  19 — 19  in FIG. 17, depicting the serrated surface of the retaining member engaged with the serrated surface of one of the housing members; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable power tool depicting an alternative preferred embodiment of the retaining member of the power cord retaining system incorporated into a housing of the power tool, with a second cooperating retaining system also incorporated into the housing of the power tool; 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view depicting just the retaining member, a spring and a portion of the housing of the power tool of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the power tool housing of FIG. 20 with the retaining member in a closed position against an exemplary small power cord plug head; and 
     FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of the power tool housing of FIG. 20 with the retaining member in a closed position against an exemplary large power cord plug head. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     In FIG. 1 an AC powered portable tool  12  incorporating a power cord retaining system  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. It will be appreciated immediately that while the power tool  12  is illustrated as a hedge trimmer, that the invention can be used with virtually any portable AC power tool, and therefore should not be construed as being limited to use with only hedge trimmers. 
     A housing  12   a  of the power tool  12  includes a handle  14  and a lower portion  12   b  at which the power cord retaining system  10  is located. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the power cord retaining system  10  includes an L-shaped retaining member  18  having a yoke  18   a  and a release member  20 . The system  10  is disposed in close proximity to a male AC power jack  22  which is disposed in a cavity  12   c  in the housing  12   a , as is conventional with many portable AC power tools. 
     A power cord  24  has a female receptacle plug head  26  having female electrical receptacles  28  that engage the male AC power jack contact blades  22  disposed in the housing  12   a  of the power tool  12 . The yoke  18   a  of the retaining member  18  holds the plug head  26  engaged with the AC power jack  22  by contact with a shoulder portion  26   a  of the plug head. FIG. 3 illustrates the power cord retaining system  10  in the unlocked (or open) position wherein the retaining member  18  is pulled away from the power jack  22 , thus allowing the plug head  26  to be removed from the yoke  18   a.    
     FIG. 4 illustrates the retaining member  18  in greater detail. The retaining member  18  has a planar, rectangular surface  30  extending perpendicularly to the yoke component  18   a . The rectangular surface  30  also has a serrated edge  32 . The yoke component  18   a  has an opening  34  large enough for the power cord  24  to fit through but small enough to prevent the plug head  26  at the end of the power cord from pulling through the yoke component. 
     The yoke component  18   a  has notches  36  that allow the rectangular surface  30  to slide in linearly extending, opposing flanges or tracks within the housing  12   a . Referring briefly to FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of such tracks  38  are illustrated. Tracks  38  are formed so as to project from opposing interior surfaces of the housing  12 , which is typically formed with a mating, two-piece construction, to facilitate assembly of the tool  12 . The tracks  38  engage the edges of the rectangular surface  30  of the retaining member  18  for sliding movement thereon. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the release member  20  of the power cord retaining system  10  in greater detail. The release member  20  has a rectangular surface component  40  and a perpendicularly extending locking arm  42 . The locking arm  42  has a serrated surface  44 , as also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 by hidden lines. The release member  20  also has a boss portion  46  for holding a biasing device such as a coil spring. The opposite end of the release member  20  forms a release button  48  which allows the release member to be depressed inwardly thus disengaging the release member  20  from the retaining member  18 . As shown in FIG. 1, button  48  protrudes slightly from an opening  49  in the housing  12   b  to allow easy engagement thereof by a user when the power cord  24  is to be released from the tool  12 . 
     With brief reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of opposing ribs  39  are formed on an interior surface of the housing  12   a . Each of the ribs  39  includes a notch  39   a  adapted to engage a corner of the rectangular portion  20   a  of the release member  20 . The ribs  39  serve to guide the release member  20  for sliding movement perpendicularly to the retaining member  18 . 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate top views of the system  10  showing the retaining member  18  with the release member  20  resting on top of the retaining member. A coil spring  50  is used to bias the release member  20  into constant contact with retaining member  18  such that the serrated surfaces  32  and  44  intergage one another. FIG. 6 shows the system  10  in the locked position. In this position the retaining member  18  is prevented from moving in the direction away from the power jack  22  (i.e., to the left) in the housing  12   a  of the power tool  12 . The serrated edge  32  of the retaining member  18  is held against the serrated surface  44  of the release member  20  by the spring  50 . The spring  50  is held in place against the release member  18  by the boss portion  46 . 
     Referring briefly to FIGS. 8 and 9, the release member  20  rests on top of the retaining member  18 . FIG. 8 shows the system  10  in the locked position with the serrated surface  44  engaging the serrated edge  32 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the system  10  in the unlocked position. The serrated edge  32  of the retaining member  18  is shown separated from the serrated surface of the release member  20  as a result of a force applied to the button  48  along directional line  52 . This moves the serrated surface  44  of the release member  20  out of engagement with the serrated edge  32  of the retaining member  18 , which allows the retaining member  18  to be moved slidably away from the power jack  22  in the housing  12   a  of the power tool  12  while the button  48  is held depressed. The spring  50  is shown in the compressed position in FIG. 7 when the release button  48  is depressed in order to unlock the system  10 . 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a cord retaining system  100  in accordance with a second alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. A retaining member  102  holds the power cord female plug head  26  engaged with the AC power jack contact blades  22  in the power tool  12 . The retaining member  102  slides in a track  104  of the housing  12   a . The retaining member  102  has a serrated top surface  116 . 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a release member  106  in spaced apart relation to the retaining member  102 . The retaining member  102  has a rectangular planar surface  108  and a perpendicularly extending yoke component  110 . The yoke component  110  has an opening  112  large enough for the power cord  24  to fit through but small enough to prevent the plug head  26  from pulling through the yoke  110 . The yoke  110  has notches  114  that allow the retaining component to slide on the tracks  38  (FIG. 9) of the power tool housing  12   a . The retaining member  102  has a serrated surface  116  formed on the planar surface  108  thereof, rather than on an edge, as with the system  10  of the first described embodiment. 
     With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the release member  106  has a release element  118  formed at one end and a pair of mounting members  120  at the other end. An upper portion  122  of the release member  106  in contact with wall portion  124  allows a lower portion  126  thereof to be continuously urged into engagement with the retaining member  102 . Release member  106  is made from plastic and has a degree of flexibility which allows the lower portion  126  to be biased into constant contact with the retaining member  102  when the tool  12  is assembled. The mounting members  120  support the release member  106  from suitable recesses (not shown) in the power tool housing  12   a.    
     The release member  106  has a serrated surface  128  that engages the serrated surface  116  of the retaining member  102 . When the release element  118  is depressed, as indicated in FIG. 11, it pushes the serrated surface  128  of the release member  106  away from the serrated surface  116  of the retaining member  102 . While it is held in this position, the retaining member  102  can be moved slidably away from the power jack  22 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a cord retaining system  200  in accordance with a third alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cord retaining system  200  is shown in connection with an electric power tool  202  having a housing  204  which includes a handle portion  206 . An AC power jack  208  having a pair of contact blades  210  is formed in the housing  204 . 
     The retaining system  200  includes a retaining member  212  which is adapted to hold the internal contacts  214   a  of a female plug head  214  of an AC power cord  216  securely to the power jack  208 . The retaining member  212  is pivotally supported from a portion of the retaining member housing portion  218  of the system  200 . The cord retaining housing portion  218  is formed as part of a loop handle portion  220  of the handle  206 . Thus, the retaining member  212  can be moved pivotally from the open position illustrated in FIG. 13 to the closed position illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     Referring to FIG. 15, the cord retaining system  200  can be seen to include housing members  218   a  and  218   b  which form the housing portion  218  when assembled together. The retaining member  212  includes an L-shaped lower yoke component  222  and a circular locking component  224 . The yoke component  222  has a pair of arms  222   a  which form an opening  226  therebetween large enough to accommodate the power cord  216  but small enough to prevent the plug head  214  from pulling therethrough. The retaining member  212  further has a radial serrated surface  228  formed on one side of the circular locking component  224 . A release button  230  is also formed on the retaining member  212  and disposed at the axial center of the circular locking component  224 . 
     With further reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, housing member  218   a  has an opening  232  for allowing the release button  230  to project from the housing member  218   a . In FIG. 16, it can be seen that the housing member  218   a  also includes a radial serrated or toothed surface  234  formed on an inner surface  236  thereof. When assembled, the serrated surface  234  is in facing relationship with, and normally engaged with, the serrated surface  228  on the circular locking component  224  of the retaining member  212 . With brief reference to FIG. 19, the serrated surfaces  228  and  234  are each formed with a sawtooth like shape which allows ratcheting movement of the retaining member  212  in only one direction (clockwise in FIGS. 13 and 14) when the serrated surfaces  228  and  234  are engaged. 
     With further reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the housing member  218   b  of the retaining system  200  has a spring  238  which has one end thereof held at the axial center of the member  218   b  by a boss portion  240  protruding from an inside surface  242  of the member  218   b . The opposite end of the spring  238  rests within a recess  244  formed at the axial center of the circular locking component  224  on the side opposite to the release button  230 . When the retaining system  200  is assembled, the spring  238  biases the serrated surface  228  of the retaining member  212  against the serrated surface  234  (FIG. 16) of the housing member  218   a , thus maintaining the release button  230  in a position protruding from opening  232 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 15-17, depressed walls  246  (FIGS. 15 and 16) are formed in each of the housing members  218   a  and  218   b  to cooperatively form an arcuate slot  248  (FIG. 17) when the housing members are assembled. The arcuate slot  248  permits the yoke component  222  of the retaining member  212  to extend from the housing members when the members are assembled together. FIG. 17 illustrates the serrated surface  228  of the circular locking component  224  biased into engagement with the serrated surface  234  of housing component  218   a  and maintaining the release button  230  projecting through the opening  232 . 
     Referring to FIG. 18, the retaining member  212  is disengaged from the serrated surface  234  of housing member  218   a  when a force is applied against the release button  230 , as indicated by directional arrow  250 . While such a force is being applied, the retaining member  212  can be rotated from its closed position, shown in FIG. 14, to its open position shown in FIG.  13 . When moved into its open position, the power cord  216  can be removed from the yoke component  222  of the retaining member  212 . Attachment of the power cord  216  to the AC power jack  208  is accomplished by plugging the plug head  214  into the AC power jack  208  while the retaining member  212  is in its open position (FIG.  13 ). The power cord  216  is then threaded between the arms  222   a  of the yoke component  222  and the retaining member  212  is then moved into its closed position (FIG.  14 ). Once in the closed position, the retaining member  212  cannot move toward the open position unless the release button  230  is depressed. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates a handle  300  of a power tool  302 , for example, a string trimmer, with a cord retaining system  304  substantially in accordance with the third alternative preferred embodiment  200  but incorporating an alternative preferred embodiment  306  of the retaining member. FIG. 20 also illustrates a second cooperating retaining system  308  disposed in the handle  300  of the power tool  302 . 
     The second cooperating retaining system  308  comprises an opening  310  (also see FIG. 21) in the handle  300  of the power tool  302  and a hook member  312  (also see FIG. 21) on the inside of the handle  300  of the power tool  302 . The cord retaining system  304  and the second cooperating retaining system  308  can operate in cooperation to better retain a power cord  314  and power cord plug head  316  engaged with an AC power jack  318  disposed in the handle  300  of the power tool  300 . 
     The second cooperating retaining system  308  is operated by inserting a loop of the power cord  314  through the opening  310  of the handle  300  and placing the loop of the power cord  314  over the hook member  312 , thus creating a restriction in the movement of the power cord  314  away from the power tool  302 . The steps of connecting the power cord  314  to the second cooperating retaining system  308  can be performed either before or after the power cord plug head  316  has been attached to the AC power jack  318 . The second cooperating retaining system  308  provides a secondary system that further prevents the unintentional removal of the power cord plug head  316  from the AC power jack  318 . In a preferred embodiment the second cooperating retaining system is suitable for incorporation with the first, second, and third preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Now referring to FIG. 21, the retaining member  306  is illustrated in relation to a biasing member (i.e. a spring)  320  and a housing member  322 , where the housing member  322  is similar to the housing  204  (FIGS. 13, and  14 ) of the third preferred embodiment without the second cooperating retaining system  308 . Consistent with the cord retaining system  200  the retaining member  306  comprises a release button  326  and a circular locking component  328  comprising a radial serrated surface  330  that interacts with a second radial serrated surface  332  disposed in the housing member  322 . 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the radial serrated surface  330 , when biased into contact with the second radial serrated surface  332 , will restrict rotation of the retaining member  306  in the direction away from the AC power jack  318  (FIG. 20) but will not lock the retaining member  306  from rotating in a direction away from the AC power jack  318  (FIG.  20 ). In this alternative embodiment the retaining member  306  can be either unlocked either by pressing on the release button  326  and rotating the retaining member  306 , or by simply rotating the retaining member  306  by applying sufficient force in a direction away from the AC power jack  318 . This alternative embodiment advantageously allows for the release of the power cord plug head  316  (FIG. 20) by a force that otherwise might be sufficient to damage the retaining member  306  or other components of the cord retaining system  304 . 
     Continuing with FIG. 21, the retaining member  306  further comprises a lower yoke component  324  that is curved to provide a more suitable positive contact between the retaining member  306  and the power cord plug head  316  (FIG.  20 ). The advantage of the curving configuration is most apparent when the retaining member  306  is used to hold a small to medium sized power cord plug head  316  (FIG. 20) in contact with the AC power jack  318  (FIG.  20 ). 
     The retaining member  306  further comprises boss members or semi-cylindrical “bumps”  334   a ,  334   b ,  334   c . Referring briefly to FIG. 22, two boss members  334   b  (hidden),  334   c  are illustrated interacting with a small to medium size power cord plug head  316   a  and holding it in contact with the AC power jack  318  in the handle housing  302  of the power tool  300 . Now referring briefly to FIG. 23, one of the boss members  334   a  is illustrated interacting with a large size power cord plug head  316   b  and holding it engaged with the AC power jack  318  in the handle housing  302  of the power tool  300 . The boss members  334   a ,  334   b  (FIG.  21 ),  334   c  thus advantageously support the retention of various shapes and sizes of power cord plug heads to the AC power jack  318 , thereby preventing the unintended removal of the power cord plug head  316  from the AC power Jack  318 . 
     The preferred embodiments described herein provide an easy to use means for holding an electrical power cord secured to an AC power jack of a portable, AC powered tool. Advantageously, the embodiments do not require any external tools or cumbersome procedures for securing or releasing the power cord to and from an AC power jack. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments do not significantly add to the complexity of manufacture of the tool or increase significantly its cost, weight or overall dimensions. In addition, the preferred embodiments accommodate a variety of plug head shapes and sizes. 
     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.