IP Library Patent Application 10282590
Patent Application
App. No. 10/282,590

Adjustable grasping assembly for tools

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
10/282,590
Abstract

The present invention is directed to an assembly for providing ergonomic grasping for a category of tool users. The assembly may be sized for ergonomic grasping by the hand of a user belonging to a category, such as large, medium, or small. The assembly includes a generally flat surface and a surface generally shaped for reception in a user's palm. The assembly of the present invention may be employed with a power tool or pneumatic tool, such as a hand held tool. A securing extension for securing the base to a tool is mounted on the generally flat surface.

Claims (50)

1 . An adjustable grasping assembly, comprising:

a base including a surface at least partially shaped for being received in a category of user's palm; and

a securing extension mounted to the base, for securing the base to a tool;

wherein the assembly is sized to promote ergonomic grasping for a category of users, the category of users having a hand size that is one of a small, medium or large size.

2 . The adjustable grasping assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base is formed of a rigid plastic.

3 . The adjustable grasping assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an elastomeric over molding disposed on the surface of the base at least partially formed for reception in a user's palm.

4 .- 7 . (canceled)

8 . The adjustable grasping assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one tab connected to the base for minimizing deformation during use.

9 .- 30 . (canceled)

31 . A comfort grip tool, comprising:

a handle for manipulating the tool;

a switch mounted in the handle, for controlling a motor included in the tool;

a base connected to the handle generally opposite the switch, having a generally flat surface, orientated towards the handle, and a surface at least partially shaped for being received in a category of user's palm; and

a securing extension mounted to the generally flat surface of the base, for securing the base to the handle;

wherein the base is sized to promote ergonomic grasping for a category of users, the category of users having a hand size that is one of a small, medium or large size.

32 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , wherein the switch is a trigger switch.

33 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , wherein the base is formed of a rigid plastic.

34 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , further comprising an elastomeric over-molding disposed on the surface of the base at least partially formed for reception in a user's palm.

35 .- 38 . (canceled)

39 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , further comprising an outer coating co-molded with the base.

40 .- 41 . (canceled)

42 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , further comprising at least one tab connected to the base for minimizing deformation during use.

43 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , wherein the securing extension is unitary with the base.

44 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , wherein the tool is at least one of a circular saw, a drill, a reciprocating saw, a jig saw, a power planner, a belt sander, a D-handled router, a power screw driver, and a hammer drill.

45 . The comfort grip tool of claim 31 , wherein the handle is at least one of a stock type and a D-handle type.

46 . A comfort grip power tool, comprising:

a handle for manipulating the power tool;

a trigger switch mounted to the handle, for controlling the power tool's motor;

a base connected to the handle, substantially opposite the side of the handle including the switch, having a generally flat surface, orientated towards the handle, and a surface at least partially shaped for being received in a category of user's palm;

a tab connected to the base, for engaging the handle to minimize deformation; and

a securing extension mounted to the generally flat surface of the base, for securing the base to the handle;

wherein the base is sized to promote ergonomic grasping for a category of users, the category of users having a hand size that is one of a small, medium or large size.

47 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , wherein the base is formed of a rigid plastic.

48 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , further comprising an elastomeric over-molding disposed on the surface of the base at least partially formed for reception in a user's palm.

49 .- 52 . (canceled)

53 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , further comprising an outer coating co-molded with the base.

54 .- 55 . (canceled)

56 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , further comprising at least one tab connected to the base for minimizing deformation during use.

57 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , wherein the securing extension is unitary with the base.

58 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , wherein the tool is at least one of a circular saw, a drill, a reciprocating saw, a jig saw, a power planner, a belt sander, a D-handled router, a power screw driver, and a hammer drill.

59 . The comfort grip tool of claim 46 , wherein the handle is at least one of a stock type and a D-handle type.

60 . A power tool kit, comprising:

a power tool having a handle for manipulating the power tool;

a first removable grasping assembly being at least partially shaped for reception in a first category of user's palm, the first category of users having a hand size that is one of a small, medium or large size; and

a second removable grasping assembly being at least partially shaped for reception in a second category of user's palm, the second category of users having a hand size that is one of a small, medium or large size,

wherein the first removable grasping assembly is of a different size than the second removable grasping assembly.

61 . The power tool kit of claim 60 , wherein the first and the second grasping assemblies are formed of rigid plastic.

62 . The power tool kit of claim 60 , wherein the first and the second grasping assemblies are formed with an elastomeric over molding.

63 . The power tool kit of claim 60 , wherein the first and the second grasping assemblies are textured for aiding in grasping.

64 . The power tool kit of claim 60 , wherein the first and the second grasping assemblies individually include a securing extension configured to be received in the handle, the power tool kit being additionally configured to extend a fastener transverse to the securing extension included on at least one of the grasping assemblies.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 12, 2006
From: PORTER-CABLE CORPORATION
To: BLACK & DECKER INC.
Reel/Frame 017006/0374 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 29, 2002
From: LAGALY, MIKE; PATTON, JAMES
To: PORTER CABLE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 013442/0101 →