Patent Publication Number: US-2023145132-A1

Title: Power Tool Attachment Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to a power tool attachment device, and more specifically, to a power tool attachment device such as a screw insert capable of securing accessories to a power tool when not in use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Power tools, such as grinders, have several potential attachments. For example, the grinder includes grinder wheels that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In order to attach and secure a grinder wheel to the grinder, a nut is screwed over the wheel so that when the wheel spins, the wheel remains attached to the grinder. A user may have several different types of nuts to hold a grinder wheel in place, and different grinder nuts may be used for different types of grinder wheels. Thus, when a user wants to switch grinder wheels, the user may have to place a grinder nut on a table, the ground, or pocket, and may lose the nut. 
     Currently, there is no mechanism or means to safely keep the nut without it being lost when the grinder wheels are switched. Thus, there remains a continuing need for improved devices that retain nuts and other accessories in easy to access places without getting lost. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved power tool attachment device and that avoids the drawbacks of known art. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a power tool attachment device capable of securing accessories to a power tool when not in use or between switching of the accessories. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a power tool attachment device that helps to attach accessories having varied shapes and sizes to a power tool so that the accessories do not get lost. 
     In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a power tool attachment device for securing an accessory to a power tool. The power tool attachment device includes a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion. The second threaded portion has a shape and size different from the first threaded portion. In one example, the first threaded portion has diameter, pitch, and length, larger than the second threaded portion. In another example, the second threaded portion has diameter, pitch, and length, larger than the first threaded portion. 
     The first threaded portion inserts in a hole of the power tool while the second threaded portion remains outside of the hole. The second threaded portion is shaped and sized to be able to attach accessories of the power tool. The second threaded portion receives and connects an accessory to the power tool, via an accessory hole that conforms to the shape and size of the second threaded portion. 
     In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the power tool attachment device helps to attach an accessory such as a nut to the power tool such as a grinder, for example so that the accessory does not get lost. 
     In another advantageous feature of the present invention, when the power tool includes holes, each provided at either side of its housing, the power tool attachment device attaches at one side and allows the hole on another side to be used for connecting a handle. This way, the power tool attachment device helps to hold accessories without affecting the operation of the power tool. 
     Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGS. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an environment in which a power tool attachment device connects to a power tool, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a front side perspective view and a front view, respectively of the power tool attachment device; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a power tool; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a side perspective view in which the power tool attachment device inserts into a hole at one side of the power tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a top perspective view of an accessory; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side perspective view in which the power tool attachment device secures the accessory to the power tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a side perspective view in which the power tool attachment device secures the accessory to the power tool, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section. 
     It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. 
     Turning to the Figures,  FIG.  1    shows an environment  10  in which power tool attachment device  12  implements, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Power tool attachment device  12  connects to power tool  14 . In the present invention, power tool attachment device  12  indicates and includes a screw insert or step screw-like structure. Power tool  14  includes, but not limited to, a grinder, joiner, drill, saw, screwdriver, hammer, vibrator, sander, polisher, nibbler, cutter, blower, heat gun, etc. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show a front side perspective view and a front view, respectively of power tool attachment device  12 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Power tool attachment device  12  provides a material made of metal, hard plastic, or any other suitable material. Power tool attachment device  12  includes first threaded portion  20  (i.e., first cylindrical body region with threads) and second threaded portion  22  (i.e., second cylindrical body region with threads). First threaded portion  20  and second threaded portion  22  connect via connecting body  24 . Connecting body  24  has a smooth surface. Power tool attachment device  12  includes first end  26  and second end  28 . First end  26  indicates a first side of power tool attachment device  12  and second end  28  indicates a second side of power tool attachment device  12 . Here, first threaded portion  20  extends towards first end  26  and second threaded portion  22  extends towards second end  28  from connecting body  24 . 
     In the present invention, first threaded portion  20  has a larger diameter than second threaded portion  22 . As such, threads in first threaded portion  20  have a larger pitch than threads in second threaded portion  22 . For example, each thread in first threaded portion  20  has a pitch of about ⅝-11″ (nominal size and threads per inch) and each thread in second threaded portion  22  has a pitch of about 1.0-1.5″. Further, first threaded portion  20  has a diameter of 0.62 inches. Further, second threaded portion  22  has a diameter of 0.40 inches. Furthermore, connecting body  24  has a diameter of about 0.50 inches. As can be seen from at least  FIG.  2 B , connecting body  24  presents a step-like structure with first threaded portion  20  and second threaded portion  22  presents a step-like structure with connecting body  24  due to the difference in their respective diameters. In the present example, each of first threaded portion  20 , connecting body  24  and second threaded portion  22  has a length of about 0.60 inches, 0.075 inches and 0.40 inches, respectively thereby making the total length of power tool attachment device  12  of about 1.075 inches. A person skilled in the art appreciates that the dimensions are provided for illustrative purpose and it is possible to change the dimensions such as length, diameter, pitch of threads of each of first threaded portion  20  and second threaded portion  22  depending on need, e.g., depending on power tool  14  used and/or accessory  40  that needs to be connected. In one implementation, one threaded portion, say first threaded portion  20  is provided in a standard size having a pitch of about ⅝-11″ while second threaded portion  22  is provided with a different size and pitch depending on the power tool  14  and/or accessory  40  that needs to be secured. Alternatively, second threaded portion  22  is provided in a standard size with a pitch of about ⅝-11″ while first threaded portion  20  is provided with a different size and pitch depending on the power tool  14  and/or accessory  40  that needs to be secured. While ⅝-11″ is industry standard for the second threaded portion, the first threaded portion may be dependent upon the brand and size of the grinder. Thus, the dimensions may be varied according to fit with the brand of the grinder or other power tool (both the second threaded portion, and especially the first threaded portion dimensions), without detracting from the spirit of the invention. For example the size of the thread pitch count may be M14-2.0, M12-1.75, M10-1.5, M8-1.25, land 5/16-18. 
     A person skilled in the art understands that power tool  14 , say a grinder has holes at either side. The presently disclosed power tool attachment device  12  is positioned in one or both holes for connecting accessories when they are not in use.  FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of power tool  14  as known in the art. In the present description, a grinder is used for explaining the working of power tool attachment device  12 . However, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using any other power tool such as a joiner, drill, saw, screwdriver, hammer, vibrator, sander, polisher, nibbler, cutter, blower, heat gun, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention. As known, power tool  14  includes housing or body  30 . Housing  30  presents first side  31  and second side  32 . First side  31  indicates a left side and second side  32  indicates a left side, or vice versa. Further, housing  30  includes identical holes or screw holes  33  on both first side  31  and second side  32 . Each hole  33  includes threaded portion  34 . Typical power tool  14  (i.e., angle grinder) utilizes stabilizing handle  36  that a user holds during its use. Handle  36  includes a connecting screw (not shown) that inserts in hole  33  either on first side  31  or on second side  32  of housing  30 .  FIG.  3    shows handle  36  connected at hole  33  at second side  32  of housing  30 , while leaving hole  32  on first side  31  empty or unused. If needed, the user switches handle  36  and connects to hole  33  at first side  32  of housing  30 , while leaving hole  33  on second side  31  empty or unused. In both scenarios, one hole remains unused. 
     In accordance with the present invention, power tool attachment device  12  inserts in free or unused hole  33  (i.e., hole  33  on first side  31 ) and helps to connect accessory  40  while hole  33  on second side  32  is used for connecting handle  36  ( FIG.  3   ).  FIG.  4    shows a side perspective view of power tool attachment device  12  inserted into hole  33  at first side  31  of housing  30 . Here, second threaded portion  22  conforms to shape and size of threaded portion  34  of hole  33 . As such, second threaded portion  22  inserts into hole  33  and first threaded portion  20  remains outside of hole  33  due to its larger diameter. Although it is shown that second threaded portion  22  inserts into hole  33  and first threaded portion  20  remains outside of hole  33 , it is possible to insert first threaded portion  20  in hole  33  while retaining second threaded portion  22  outside of hole  33 . A person skilled in the art understands that such an implementation depends on the size of threaded portion  34  of hole  33  and accessory  40  that needs to be secured with the help of power tool attachment device  12 . 
     As known, power tool  14  such as a power grinder includes grinding wheel or grinding disc  38  screwed to housing  30  with the help of accessory  40  such as a nut. Accessory  40  e.g., nut is screwed over grinding wheel  38  so that when grinding wheel  38  spins, grinding wheel  38  remains attached to power tool  14 . Accessory  40  is removed and placed over a surface such as a table or ground in order to switch grinding wheel  38  to another grinder wheel  38  (or polish or buffing wheel) or when it is not required to secure grinding wheel  38  to housing  30 . Accessory  40  includes accessory hole  42  with threaded portion  43 .  FIG.  5    shows a top perspective view of accessory  40  such as a nut, for example. In one example, threaded portion  43  of accessory hole  42  has a shape and size (pitch of ⅝-11″) that conforms to the shape of first threaded portion  20  (pitch of ⅝-11″) such that accessory  40  secures to power tool attachment device  12  at first threaded portion  20 . A person skilled in the art understands that accessory  40  can come in different shapes and sizes depending on the need. For example, accessory  40  includes, but not limited to, a nut, locking member, connecting member, ring, or any other accessory or device used to secure components of power tool  14 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, after accessory  40  is removed, accessory  40  is connected to power tool attachment device  12  which is connected to hole  33 . This way, accessory  40  is secured to power tool  14  via power tool attachment device  12  and ensures that it does not get lost during the switching of grinding wheel  38  (or when it is not needed). As specified above, power tool attachment device  12  connects to hole  33  at the free side (first side  31 ) of housing  30  in that second threaded portion  22  inserts into hole  33  and first threaded portion  20  remains outside of hole  33 . In accordance with the present invention, accessory  40  screws onto first threaded portion  20 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Here, first side  31  of housing  30  includes power tool attachment device  12  securing accessory  40  ( FIG.  6   ) and second side  32  of housing  30  includes handle  36  ( FIG.  3   ). A person skilled in the art understands that each of first threaded portion  20  and second threaded portion  22  is shaped and sized to be able to attach/receive accessory  40  depending on the size of hole  33  and accessory hole  42 . For example, first threaded portion  20  is shaped and sized to conform to the shape of the accessory  40  i.e., accessory hole  42  that remains outside of hole  33 , while the second threaded portion  22  is shaped and sized to conform to the shape threaded portion  34  of hole  33 . Similarly, second threaded portion  22  is shaped and sized to conform to the shape of accessory  40  i.e., accessory hole  42  that remains outside of hole  33 , while first threaded portion  20  is shaped and sized to conform to the shape threaded portion  34  of hole  33 . 
     When needed, the user unscrews accessory  40  from power tool attachment device  12  leaving power tool attachment device  12  connected to power tool  14 , as shown in  FIG.  3   , for example. 
     In another embodiment, power tool attachment device  12  is used to secure grinding wheel  38  along with accessory  40  to housing  30 . For example, consider grinding wheel  38  is removed from housing  30  for connecting a buffing wheel (not shown). In such a scenario, at first, grinding wheel  38  containing a hole (not shown) is inserted/screwed at first threaded portion  20  that is outside of hole  33 . Subsequently, accessory  40  is connected to first threaded portion  20  to secure grinding wheel  38  at one side i.e., first side  31  of housing  30 . 
     Although the above description is explained considering that power tool attachment device  12  connects at one side of housing  30 , it is possible to use holes  33  at both sides  31 ,  32  to connect two power tool attachment devices  12  for attaching multiple accessories. In such an implementation, each hole  33  at first side  31  and second side  32  receives a different power tool attachment device  12 . Depending on the size of hole  33 , either first threaded portion  20  or second threaded portion  22  inserts in respective hole  33 . Subsequently, accessories  40  are connected at the threaded portion that is outside of hole  33  at both sides. 
     In one embodiment, first threaded portion  20  encompasses a hex wrench broach or hole  29  at first end  31 , as shown in at least  FIGS.  1 ,  2 B,  4  and  6   . Hex wrench broach  29  is used to connect a hex wrench (not shown) also known as an Allen wrench or Allen key to tighten power tool attachment device  12  such that second threaded portion  22  firmly secures to hole  33 . Similarly, when first threaded portion  20  inserts in hole  33 , second threaded portion  22  that remains outside hole  33  includes hex wrench broach  29 . Hex wrench broach  29  is used to connect a hex wrench to tighten power tool attachment device  12  such that first threaded portion  20  firmly secures to hole  33 .  FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of second threaded portion  22  receiving nut  44  (or accessory) at first side  31  of housing  30 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, nut  44  connects at second threaded portion  22  that is outside of hole  33  while the first threaded portion  20  inserts in hole  33 . In other embodiments, second threaded portion  22  includes hex wrench broach  29  that can be used to tighten power tool attachment device  12 . Other types of recesses or broaches may be used that be triangular, square, or any other shape that fits a wrench having a particular complimentary shape to insert into the recess to aid in tightening without detracting from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the power tool attachment device comprises a hex wrench broach design to accept a hex wrench having a complimentary size and shape to fit within said hex wrench broach. In one embodiment the hex wrench broach  29  has hexagonal size of approximately 3/16 in. (0.1875 in.) and has a depth of approximately ¼ in. (0.25 in.) centrally positioned within the top surface of the first threaded portion  20  (or second threaded portion  22 ). 
       FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of second threaded portion  22  receiving nut  44  (or accessory) at first side  31  of housing  30 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, nut  44  connects at second threaded portion  22  that is outside of hole  33  while the first threaded portion  20  inserts in hole  33 . 
     The embodiments provide for several advantages over the prior art. For example, the power tool attachment device helps to attach power tool accessories such as a nut directly to the power tool, so the accessories do not get lost. The power tool attachment device connects at the free hole and does not affect the operation of the power tool. The power tool attachment device has two threaded portions of varied sizes, as such the threaded portion that conforms to the shape of the hole is made to insert in the hole while the other threaded portion is made to remain outside the hole. The outer threaded portion is used to receive/attach accessories of the power tool. This way, different accessories having varied shapes and sizes can be connected to the power tool with the help of the power tool attachment device. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.