Abstract:
A reaming device for reaming a pipe, which may have electrical wires passed therethrough, is attachable to a power tool, has at least one reaming blade thereon, and is adapted to receive at least one driving bit.

Description:
This invention relates to a device for reaming pipe and more particularly to a device as an attachment for a power drill or similar device to be used to ream a pipe and drive a screw or other fastener, especially in order to assist with an electrical wiring installation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In any field wherein metal pipe is used, it is necessary to cut and bend, and then shape the pipe to its desired use. This is especially true in the field of electrical installations. Cutting of the pipe can and does result in a rough end of the pipe. 
     Unfortunately, in the electrical fields, it is critical to have the end of the pipe smooth. This smooth end minimizes damage to the wire as the assembly is being completed and simplifies the installation of the electrical circuits. Also, the smooth end makes it easier to install a conduit fitting, a coupler or a connector. 
     This smooth end is especially desirable for electrometallic tubing, called EMT in the trade. While this tubing has a thin wall, it is still desirable and required to provide a smooth end after cutting the same in order for the pipe to fit into the circuit. 
     By reaming the end of the cut pipe, it becomes smooth. With the end of the pipe being smooth, the pipe is less likely to snag or damage the insulation on the wire or wires passed therethrough. Such reaming currently is accomplished by hand tools. Power tools are not adaptable for this purpose. 
     However, the only adequate way to ream a pipe at this time is by hand. This reaming of the pipe is accomplished by using a channel lock and a screw driver. With these tools, great physical and repetitive effort is required from the electrician, in order to complete the required work. 
     Such a repetitive use of the hands with these tools can result in a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome or other pain causing factors. Not only does such pain interfere with an electrician&#39;s ability to perform the required duties, it might even prevent the electrician from working at all. Thus, if a device can be developed to more efficiently ream the pipe, great advantages are obtained. 
     One manner of efficient reaming is with a power tool. However, it is difficult to achieve a power assisted reamer and still obtain efficient reaming of a pipe, especially a pipe used for an electric circuit. The flexibility of the reaming tool can be lost with a power-assisted device. The difficulty of switching tools and the ability to combine the functions of the channel locks and the screw driver in one tool is difficult, especially when the power-assisted function is added to the equation. 
     Furthermore, in the electrical industry, it is difficult to use a power tool to drive a screw, in order to secure tubing or pipes in position. Thus, if a power tool is used, great care with screw fasteners for the tubing is required. 
     Thus, the desirability of power reaming can be outweighed by the necessity of efficiently switching tools being used. If the power tool cannot switch easily, the desired results simplifying the work cannot be accomplished. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of reaming a pipe and driving a screw. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of reducing carpel tunnel syndrome. 
     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of use with a power drill. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of reducing the need for channel locks in electrical work. 
     Another objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of replacing a hand screw driver. 
     Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable minimizing damage to wire insulation. 
     Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of simplifying the installment of electrical wires. 
     Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a power-assisted method for reaming a pipe. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for a power tool capable of reaming a pipe. 
     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for screw driver bit. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of an attachment for increasing the efficiency of an electrician. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a method and device for reaming a pipe, which may have electrical wires passed therethrough, by providing a device attachable to a power tool with at least one reaming blade thereon, and adapted to receive at least one driving bit. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the device for reaming pipe of this invention in form of attachment  100 . 
     FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of attachment  100 , in use for reaming a pipe  110 . 
     FIG. 3 depicts an exploded, perspective view of attachment  100 . 
     FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of attachment  100 , in use for driving a screw  112 . 
    
    
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A pipe reamer for reaming the pipe includes a stepped body having blades mounted on each step. Each blade is adapted to ream a pipe of a different diameter. The steps can be adjusted to the appropriate sizes of pipe. Pipe or tube may be used interchangeably herein. In a preferred form, three steps are permitted on the stepped body, thereby permitting three of the most common diameters of pipe to be serviced with one attachment. 
     The blade can be held in place in any suitable fashion. Within the stepped body is a blade slot. Placed in the blade slot and secured therein is a reaming blade. On the reaming blade are preferably three cutting edges, each of which may handle a different diameter of pipe. While treating for three diameters of pipe is depicted, more or less may be used if desired, with the appropriate blade adjustment and stepped body adaptation. 
     Usually, the preferred method of locking the blade in the body is a screw clamp mechanism. The fasteners for this screw clamp mechanism may be any suitable fastener or fasteners. Preferably, a pair of fasteners provides a margin of safety. Typical fasteners include, but are not limited to, a lock pin and an Allen set screw. 
     Within the stepped housing, is a bit receiver. This bit receiver permits any type of bit to be inserted for use as a screw driver. The driving end is received into a cordless or cord having drill. As the bit is placed in the drill, the reamer is placed in the pipe, the drill is activated, and the ends of the pipe are reamed appropriately. When desired, a bit may be inserted in the tube and locked therein by a magnetic force or other suitable force. The bit may then be used to finish the matter. Clearly a cordless or other power tool may be used. 
     Any number of tips may be used instead of a screw driver. Such tips include, but are not limited to a star tip, an Allen tip, a square tip, a socket drive tip, a Phillips tip, a blade tip, or a scribe tip. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, power tool attachment  100  includes a housing in the form of a tool body  120 . The tool body  120  includes a series of three steps. In the largest diameter step  122 , is provided a lock pin  124 . In the second step  126 , is provided an Allen set screw  128 . Smallest diameter step  130  completes tool body  120 . While lock pin  124  and Allen set screw  128 , are the preferred fasteners, other fasteners may also be used. 
     Sleeve  158  both slides and fits over hex drive extension  156 . Both sleeve  158  and hex drive extension  156  insert through aperture  121  of tool body  120 , leaving hex shank  155  exposed for coupling to drill  108 . The Allen set screw  128  secures sleeve  158  and hex drive extension  156  to tool body  120 , through body threaded aperture  118 , which is on opposite sides of the step  126  of tool body  120 , relative to lock pin  124 . Lock pin  124  fits into recessed aperture  125 , of tool body  120  and through blade aperture  135  of blade  134 , as assembled. 
     The three-stage reaming blade  134  serves to ream the pipe  110  (shown in FIG.  2 ), as desired, depending on the diameter of pipe  110 . The three stage reaming blade  134  has, in one unit, a large cutting blade  136 , and a small cutting blade  138 . Situated therebetween is a medium cutting blade  140 . Thus, the reaming blade  134  may be used on three different diameters of pipe  110 . 
     Adding FIG. 2 to the consideration, the hex drive extension  156  can be received in the power drill  108 . From the tool body  122 , extends a hex drive extension  156 . The hex drive extension  156  can be received into a power drill  108 . The steps permit the reaming tool or attachment  100  to adjust to three different diameters of pipe  110 . 
     Now including FIG. 3 in the consideration, oppositely disposed from the hex drive extension  156  and extending from the smallest step  130  of the tool body is a sleeve  158 . Into the sleeve  158  may be fitted a bit  106 , which will mesh into hex drive extension  156 . Sleeve  158  may have a magnetized base  160  in order to hold bit  106  in sleeve  158 . Hex drive extension  156  additionally provides support for the bit  106 , and makes use of the bit  106  much safer. 
     With FIG. 4, the function of sleeve  158  (shown in phantom) in supporting bit  106  in order to drive fastening screw  112  is shown. Over bit  106  and three stage reaming blade  134  may fit safety shield  162 . Safety shield  162  permits using attachment  100 , while shielding the user from the fast-moving blades of three stage reaming blade  134 . 
     While safety shield  162  is shown as having base  164  perpendicular to circular side  166 , shield base  164  may have a tapered angle relative to circular side  166 . Shield base  164 , of course, includes base aperture  168  to permit mounting of safety shield  162 . The perpendicular or right angle is preferred in order to trap most trimmed particles therein. 
     While the structure of the attachment  100  is depicted, it is possible combine two or more parts in one part, by providing an appropriate machining process. Thus, the assembly of attachment  100  can be accomplished as desired. 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.