Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
1
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
ACCESSORY TOOL FOR AN OSCILLATING POWER TOOL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to cutting tools, and, more
particularly, to an accessory cutting tool for an oscillating power tool.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There exist many cutting tool attachments for oscillating power tools.
One
such known cutting tool attachment is generally represented by a plate member
defining a mounting portion at one end thereof that is configured to mate with
an
oscillating drive member of the oscillating power tool, and a blade portion
extending from the mounting portion.
[0003] Typically, the mounting portion generally defines a substantially
centered
mounting portion aperture that is suitably shape configured for rigidly
engaging
therethrough the oscillating drive member with an attachment screw or the like
engaged at the distal end of the latter. The shape configuration of the
mounting
portion aperture is often represented by an industry standard shape that is
compatible with the oscillating drive member of the oscillating power tool
made by
different manufacturers. The blade portion is typically represented by a flat
plate
member defining one or more razor sharp cutting edge portions along peripheral
portions thereof.
[0004] With the cutting tool attachment attached to the oscillating drive
member of
an oscillating power tool, the cutting edge thereof is oscillated at a high
frequency
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
2
longitudinally along a perpendicularly oriented plane relative to a rotational
axis of
oscillation of the oscillating drive member. The oscillating frequency of
commercially oscillating power tools may be typically between 5000 and 25000
oscillations per minute, with the rotational axis of oscillation rotating back
and forth
typically between a 0.5 and a 7 degree radial angle. These cutting tool
attachments are typically usable for cutting through wood, gypsum, metal,
rubber,
carpets and the likes.
[0005] Some cutting tools may also be used for cutting through asphalt and
composition roofing shingles attached to a support surface of a roof. For
example,
in a typical roof renovation context where roofing shingles must be removed in
order to install new ones, the workers are generally contractors working long
hours
in precarious positions on substantially elevated and often steeply slanted
roof
surfaces.
[0006] After having roughly removed most of the roofing shingles with
typically a
shovel or crowbar like instrument and direct manual work, more detailed
removal
operations are needed in order to remove residual bits and pieces of roofing
material that remains glued, nailed or otherwise attached to the support
surface.
Furthermore, it is sometimes required to only precisely cut portions of
roofing
material at a junction with a portion of a roof that does flot need renovation
work.
[0007] Thus, for removing the residual bits and pieces of roofing material,
workers
often rely on a commercially available oscillating power tool equipped with a
typical
cutting tool attachment as described above. With such a tool, a worker
typically
singlehandedly holds and manipulates the motor body of the tool, which also
serves as its operational handle, in order to substantially gilde the flat
underside
'
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
3
surface of the cutting tool attachment on the support surface such that the
cutting
edge thereof cuts through and separates the contacting surfaces between the
support surface and the roofing residues. In other instances, the worker has
to
hold the oscillating tool sideways in order to cut through the roofing
material using
the cutting blade at a perpendicular angle relative to the support surface.
[0008] While the known cutting bol attachments can generally fulfill the main
objective of cutting through such roofing material, they are also generally
inefficient
in executing this particular task.
[0009] For example, in order to maintain a relatively safe and stable body
position
on the roof, a worker will often have to fully stretch the arm holding the
oscillating
power tool for long periods at a time, in order to remove the roofing residues
along
distal roof support surface portions surrounding his or her stable position.
The
known cutting tool attachments being configured with a distally extending
cutting
portion, the worker needs to maintain the other end of the oscillating power
tool
(e.g. the motor body) at a specific angle relative to the support surface,
otherwise
the cutting edge may start to dig within the support surface or skim above the
roofing residue. Hence, it becomes quickly weary and exhausting for the worker
to
maintain this specific angle of the oscillating power tool with a stretched
arm.
[0010] What often further complicates this already precarious task on elevated
and slanted roof surfaces resides in that the work may sometimes have to be
done
in particularly cold, windy and even icy weather conditions. In such
conditions,
even the most adherent surfaces of gloves and oscillating power tools provided
with rubber covered surfaces become significantly less adherent which, in
turn,
requires more gripping power from the hand of the worker.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
4
[0011] Also, this slippery effect of the cold weather on the oscillating power
tool is
amplified by the oscillating nature of the power tool itself since the cutting
tool
attachment is typically represented by an unbalanced plate member attached
through a distal end thereof to the oscillating drive member of the power
tool.
[0012] In view of the above, there is a need in the industry for an improved
accessory tool for an oscillating power tool.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide such an accessory tool
for
an oscillating power tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In a broad aspect, the invention provides an accessory tool for an
oscillating power tool, the oscillating power tool including a drive member,
the
accessory tool comprising: a mounting portion configured so as to be mountable
to
the drive member; a blade portion extending from the mounting portion, the
blade
portion defining a blade portion peripheral edge; the blade portion peripheral
edge
including first and second concave cutting portions opening respectively
towards
first and second directions, the first and second concave cutting portions
being
usable for cutting when the accessory tool is operatively mounted to the
oscillating
power tool, the first and second directions being angled at more than 90
degrees
relative to each other.
[0015] The invention may aise provide an accessory tool wherein the first and
second directions are angled at more than 135 degrees relative to each other.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
[0016] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the first and
second directions are substantially opposed to each other.
[0017] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion peripheral edge further includes a linking portion extending between
the
first and second concave cutting portions, the linking portion being a cutting
portion
usable for cutting when the accessory tool is operatively mounted to the
oscillating
power tool.
[0018] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein at least part
of
the linking portion has a substantially rectilinear configuration.
[0019] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the at least
part
of the linking portion is substantially parallel to the first direction.
[0020] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the accessory
tool is substantially elongated and defines a longitudinal axis, the
longitudinal axis
and the at least part of the linking portion being angled at about 5 degrees
to about
45 degrees relative to each other.
[0021] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the linking
portion merges with the first and second concave cutting portions in rounded
point-
shaped configurations.
[0022] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the accessory
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
6
tool defines a longitudinal axis and is laterally symmetrical relative to the
longitudinal axis.
[0023] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion peripheral edge defines a third concave cutting portion extending
substantially adjacent to the first concave cutting portion and opening
towards a
third direction.
[0024] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the first and
third concave cutting portions merge together in a substantially point-shaped
configuration.
[0025] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the first and
third directions differ from each other.
[0026] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the accessory
tool is substantially elongated and defines a longitudinal axis, the blade
portion
defining blade portion first and second end segments, the mounting portion
being
provided between the blade portion first and second end segments, the first
and
second concave cutting portions being defined in the blade portion first end
segment.
[0027] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion peripheral edge defines a second segment cutting portion in the blade
portion second end segment, the second segment cutting portion being usable
for
cutting when the accessory tool is operatively mounted to the oscillating
power
tool.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
7
[0028] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the second
segment cutting portion is substantially rectilinear.
[0029] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the second
segment cutting portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis.
[0030] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion peripheral edge defines a second segment side edge portion angled
relative to the second segment cutting portion and merging therewith in a
rounded
apex configuration.
[0031] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion first end segment defines a first end segment central portion and a
wing
extending outwardly therefrom, the first and second concave cutting portions
being
defined in the wing, the wing protruding at least in part laterally from the
central
portion.
[0032] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the blade
portion first and second end segments are substantially coplanar.
[0033] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the mounting
portion is provided in a mounting portion plane that is substantially parallel
to the
blade portion first and second end segments and offset relative to the blade
portion first and second end segments.
[0034] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the mounting
portion and the blade portion first and second end segments are substantially
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
8
coplanar.
[0035] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the mounting
portion defines a rotation axis about which the accessory tool is pivoted by
the
oscillating power tool when operatively mounted thereto, the accessory tool
defining a center of mass, the center of mass being on the rotation axis.
[0036] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the mounting
portion defines a mounting aperture for receiving the drive member when the
mounting portion is operatively mounted to the drive member, the mounting
aperture being provided in an aperture plane, the accessory tool defining a
center
of mass and a center of mass axis extending through the the center of mass
perpendicular to the aperture plane, the center of mass axis intersecting the
mounting aperture.
[0037] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein at least one
of
the first and second concave cutting portions is beveled and sharpened.
[0038] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein at least one
of
the first and second concave cutting portions is serrated.
[0039] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the mounting
portion defines a mounting aperture extending therethrough for receiving the
drive
member, the accessory tool further defining a storage aperture extending
therethrough distinct from the mounting aperture.
[0040] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the accessory
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
9
tool is substantially elongated and defines substantially opposed tool first
and
second ends substantially longitudinally opposed to each other and a
longitudinal
axis intersecting both the tool first and second ends, the accessory tool
defining
first and second end lines extending respectively through the tool first and
second
ends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first and
second
directions intersecting respectively the first and second end lines.
[0041] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the accessory
tool is substantially elongated and defines substantially opposed tool first
and
second ends substantially longitudinally opposed to each other, the first
concave
cutting portion facing generally towards the tool first end and the second
concave
cutting portion facing generally towards the tool second end.
[0042] The invention may also provide an accessory tool wherein the first
concave cutting portion extends between first concave portion ends, the first
direction bisecting tangents of the first concave portion at the first concave
portion
ends and the second concave cutting portion extends between second concave
portion ends, the second direction bisecting tangents of the second concave
portion at the second concave portion ends.
[0043] Advantageously, the proposed accessory tool is relatively inexpensive
fo
manufacture and relatively ergonomic. The proposed accessory tool is also
versatile and may be used to perform many cutting tasks, for example in the
context of shingles removal in a roofing job.
[0044] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of an
accessory
tool, according to the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2, in a top plan view, illustrates the accessory tool shown in
FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 3, in a partial top plan view, illustrates the accessory tool
shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0048] FIG. 4, in a side elevational view, illustrates the accessory tool
shown in
FIGS. 1 to 3, the opposite side being a mirror image thereof;
[0049] FIG. 5, in a front elevational view, illustrates the accessory tool
shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4;
[0050] FIG. 6, in a rear elevational view, illustrates the accessory tool
shown in
FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0051] FIG. 7, in an environmental, partial side elevational view, illustrates
the
accessory tool shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, here shown attached to an oscillating
power
tool and used for removing glued residues on a roof support surface;
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
11
[0052] FIG. 8, in an environmental, partial top plan view, illustrates the
accessory
tool shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, here shown attached to an oscillating power tool
and
used sideways to cut through roofing material on a roof support surface;
[0053] FIG. 9, in an environmental, partial top plan view, illustrates the
accessory
tool shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, here shown attached to an oscillating power tool
and
used for removing nailed roofing material, as well as glued residues on a roof
support surface;
[0054] FIG. 10, in a perspective view, illustrates an alternative embodiment
of an
accessory tool, according to the present invention; and
[0055] FIG. 11, in a top plan view, illustrates the accessory tool shown in
FIG. 10.
DETA1LED DESCRIPTION
[0056] The term "substantially" is used throughout this document to indicate
variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that
do not
materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for
example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from
a
nominal value that do flot cause significant changes to the invention. These
variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled
in the
art. Also, the present document describes accessory tools 10 including many
features. Not ail embodiments of the invention include necessarily ail these
features and, therefore, there are embodiments of the invention in which some
of
the features described hereinbelow are omitted.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
12
[0057] FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate an accessory tool 10 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an accessory
tool
10' in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
differences between the two accessory tools 10 and 10' being described in the
following description. The accessory tools 10 and 10' are usable with an
oscillating
power tool 20, as seen in FIGS. 7 to 9. As seen more specifically in FIG. 7,
the
oscillating power tool 20 including a drive member 24. In operation, the drive
member 24 oscillates about a drive member pivot axis, typically at relatively
high
speed. As would be obvious to someone familiar with the art of cutting blade
manufacturing processes, the accessory tool 10 may be formed, for example, out
of a suitable metal plate member using a conventional punch-press process, a
metal hardening treatment process, and an edge sharpening process.
[0058] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1 to 3, the accessory tool 10
includes
a mounting portion 22 configured so as to be mountable to the drive member 24
and a blade portion 25 extending from the mounting portion 22, the blade
portion
25 defining a blade portion peripheral edge 29. In some embodiments, the blade
portion peripheral edge 29 defines the contour of the entire accessory tool 10
and
as such, even part of the accessory tool 10 that cannot cut are part of the
blade
portion. For example, in the accessory tool 10, the blade portion 25 surrounds
the
mounting portion 22.
[0059] The blade portion peripheral edge 29 includes first and second concave
cutting portions 74 and 48 opening respectively towards first and second
directions
31 and 33. A direction for the purpose of this document includes an angular
orientation and is directed towards a specific direction along this angular
orientation. This is to be contrasted to axes that coincide with a straight
line in
space, but which do not define a specific orientation along this line. The
first and
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
13
second concave cutting portions 74 and 48 are usable for cutting when the
accessory tool 10 is operatively mounted to the oscillating power tool 20. In
some
embodiments, the first and second directions 31 and 33 are angled at more than
90 degrees relative to each other. In other embodiments, the first and second
directions 31 and 33 are angled at more than 135 degrees relative to each
other.
[0060] In yet other embodiments, the first and second directions 31 and 33 are
substantially opposed to each other. Substantially opposed first and second
directions 31 and 33 allow cutting first with the first concave cutting
portion 74 by
advancing the accessory tool 10 generally towards the first direction 31, and
then,
by reversing the direction of motion of the accessory tool, cutting again in
the
opposite direction, for example to perforrn work that requires a reciprocating
motion, without reorienting the oscillating power tool 20. This greatly
increases the
ergonomics of the oscillating power tool 20 and accessory tool 10 compared to
the
prior art in which cutting portions facing only generally towards a single
direction,
or towards only slightly angled directions, are provided.
[0061] The first and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48 are configured
so
as to be usable to cut. In some embodiments, this is achieved when at least
one of
the first and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48, and typically both,
is
beveled and sharpened. In other embodiments, as the accessory tool 10' shown
in
FIGS. 10 and 11, at least one of the first and second concave cutting portions
74'
and 48', and typically both, is serrated. It is also within the scope of the
invention to
have one of the first and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48 beveled
and
sharpened and the other one of the first and second concave cutting portions
74
and 48 serrated.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
14
[0062] Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, the accessory tool 10 is
typically
substantially elongated and defines substantially opposed tool first and
second
ends 76 and 62 substantially longitudinally opposed to each other and a
longitudinal axis 18 intersecting both the tool first and second ends 76 and
62. The
accessory tool 10 defines first and second end lines 75 and 61 extending
respectively through the tool first and second ends 76 and 62 substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18. The first and second directions 31
and 33
intersect respectively the first and second end lines 75 and 61. In some
embodiments, the first concave portions ends 76 and 80 are both on the first
end
line 75. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the centrally
located
first concave portions end 76 is retracted from the first end line 75'.
[0063] Typically, the first concave cutting portion 74 thus faces generally
towards
the tool first end 76 and the second concave cutting portion 48 thus faces
generally towards the tool second end 62. In informai terms, one could say
that the
first concave cutting portion 74 faces generally towards the front of the
accessory
tool 10, in some embodiments at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 18,
and
that the second concave cutting portion 48 faces generally towards the back of
the
accessory tool 10, in some embodiments at an angle relative to the
longitudinal
axis 18.
[0064] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, it is helpful to
describe the
first and second directions 31 and 33 as follows. The first concave cutting
portion
74 extends between first concave portion ends 76 and 80, the first direction
31
bisecting tangents 12 and 13 of the first concave portion 74 at the first
concave
portion ends 76 and 80. In some embodiments, as in the embodiment shown in the
drawings, one of the first concave portion end 76 coincides with the tool
first end
76. Similarly, the second concave cutting portion 48 extends between second
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
concave portion ends 77 and 81, the second direction 33 bisecting tangents 14
and 15 of the second concave portion at the second concave portion ends 77 and
81.
[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the
accessory tool 10 is laterally symmetrical so that it is a mirror image of
itself along
a predetermined axis, for example the longitudinal axis 18. Accordingly, when
appropriate, only one half of the accessory tool 10 is described herein, with
the
understanding that the other half is a substantially mirror image thereof.
However,
in other embodiments, this is flot the case.
[0066] In some embodiments of the invention, as better seen in FIGS. 1 to 3,
the
blade portion peripheral edge 29 further includes a linking portion 46
extending
between the first and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48. The linking
portion 46 is a cutting portion usable for cutting when the accessory tool 10
is
operatively mounted to the oscillating power tool 20. However, in alternative
embodiments, the linking portion 46 is not able to be used to cut.
[0067] In some embodiments, at least part of the linking portion 46, and in
some
embodiments, the whole linking portion 46, has a substantially rectilinear
configuration. For example, and non-limitingly, the at least part of the
linking
portion 46 that is rectilinear is substantially parallel to the first
direction 31. In some
embodiments, the at least part of the linking portion 46 that is rectilinear
is angled
at about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 18,
for
example at about 25 degrees, but other values a within the scope of the
present
invention. The generally rectilinear shape of the linking portion 46 may be
used as
a rectilinear guide which a worker may advantageously use to reduce the force
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
16
generally used to hold the oscillating power tool 20 at a specific angle when
using
the accessory tool 10 oriented perpendicularly sideways along a typically
planar
roof support surface 50, as illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0068] In some embodiments, the linking portion 46 merges with the first and
second concave cutting portions 74 and 48 in a point-shaped configuration, as
seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, which may facilitate cutting for some applications.
Typically,
the point-shaped configuration is defined at the first and second concave
portions
ends 80 and 81. In other embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the linking
portion 46' merges with the first and second concave cutting portions 74' and
48' in
a rounded point-shaped configuration, which may facilitate guiding the
accessory
tool 10' smoothly across surfaces. In some embodiments, the linking portion
46' is
arcuate adjacent the location at which it merges with the first and second
concave
cutting portions 74' and 48'. Other configurations of the merging of the
linking
portion 46 merges with the first and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48
are also within the scope of the invention.
[0069] ln some embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the blade portion
peripheral edge 29 defines a third concave cutting portion 74a extending
substantially adjacent to the first concave cutting portion 74 and opening
towards a
third direction 35. As better seen in FIG. 3, the third cutting portion 74a is
typically
a mirror image of the first cutting portion 74. In some embodiments, the first
and
third concave cutting portions 74 and 74a merge together in a substantially
point-
shaped configuration, for example at the tool first end 76.
[0070] In some embodiments the first and third directions 31 and 35 differ
from
each other. However, in other embodiments (flot shown in the drawings), the
first
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
17
and third directions are parallel to each other.
[0071] With reference for example to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the blade
portion 25 defines blade portion first and second end segments 26 and 28, the
mounting portion 22 being provided between the blade portion first and second
end segments 26 and 28. The first and second concave cutting portions 74 and
48
are defined in the blade portion first end segment 26.
[0072] Typically, the blade portion first and second end segments 26 and 28
are
substantially coplanar. In some embodiments, as better seen in FIG. 4, the
mounting portion 22 is provided in a mounting portion plane 23 that is
substantially
parallel to the blade portion first and second end segments 26 and 28 and
offset
relative to the blade portion first and second end segments 26 and 28. This
creates room for an attachment screw 32 or other suitable fastener used to
secure the accessory tool 10 to the drive member 24. However, in alternative
embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11,the mounting portion 22' and the blade
portion first and second end segments 26' and 28' are substantially coplanar.
[0073] In some embodiments, the blade portion peripheral edge 29 defines a
second segment cutting portion 56 in the blade portion second end segment 28.
The second segment cutting portion 56 is usable for cutting when the accessory
tool 10 is operatively mounted to the oscillating power tool 20. In some
embodiments, the second segment cutting portion 56 is substantially
rectilinear,
but convex, concave or other shapes for the second segment cutting portion 56
are also within the scope of the invention. The second segment cutting portion
is
typically substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
18
[0074] The blade portion peripheral edge 29 also defines a second segment side
edge portion 54 angled relative to the second segment cutting portion 56 and
merging therewith for example in a pointed apex configuration, for the
accessory
tool 10, or in a rounded apex configuration, for the accessory tool 10'. In
some
embodiments, the second segment side edge portion 54 is substantially
rectilinear
and part of a longer side edge portion 55 also having a substantially
rectilinear
configuration and extending between the second segment cutting portion 56 and
the second concave cutting portion 48.
[0075] Thus the blade portion peripheral edge 29 is formed in some embodiments
by the the second segment cutting portion 56, a pair of laterally opposed side
edge
portions 55 and 55a extending therefrom, a pair of laterally opposed second
concave cutting portions 48 and 48a extending each from a respective one of
the
side edge portions 55 and 55a, a pair of laterally opposed linking portions 46
and
46a extending each from a respective one of the second concave cutting
portions
48, a pair of laterally opposed first concave cutting portions 74 and 74a
extending
each from a respective one of the linking portions 46, the first concave
cutting
portions 74 and 74a merging together along at longitudinal axis 18.
[0076] When the blade portion second end segment 28 is present, the blade
portion first end segment 26 defines a first end segment central portion 45
and a
wing 44 extending outwardly therefrom, as seen for example in FIG. 2. The
first
and second concave cutting portions 74 and 48 are defined in the wing 44. The
wing 44 protrudes at least in part laterally from the central portion 45. This
configuration allows having the second concave cutting portion 48 facing
generally
towards the blade portion second end segment 28, while being formed in the
blade
portion first end segment 26.
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
19
[0077] Now referring more particularly to FIG. 2, the mounting portion 22
typically
define a substantially centered mounting aperture 30 that is suitably shape
configured for rigidly engaging therethrough the oscillating drive member 24
with
an attachment screw 32 (seen in FIG. 7) or the like engaged at the distal end
of
the latter. The shape configuration of the mounting aperture 30 is typically
represented by an industry standard shape configuration that is compatible
with
the oscillating drive member 24 of the oscillating power tool 20 made by
different
manufacturers.
[0078] As exemplified in in the figures, one industry standard shape
configuration
of the mounting aperture 30 may typically include a central aperture portion
34,
superimposed with a substantially cross-shaped aperture 36. Relatively small
engaging peripheral apertures 38 may be equidistantly radially distributed
around
the central bore portion. Other shape configurations of a mounting aperture 30
are
also possible.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the mounting portion 22 defines a rotation axis 70
about which the accessory tool 10 is pivoted by the oscillating power tool 20
when
operatively mounted thereto. The accessory tool 10 defines a center of mass
16,
the center of mass 16 being for example on the rotation axis 70. This
configuration
minimizes vibrations when the accessory tool 10 is used. This advantage is
particularly useful in icy cold weather conditions where the adherence between
the
contacting surfaces of the working glove of the worker and the gripping
portions of
the oscillating power tool 20 is already reduced due to the resulting hardened
surfaces thereof.
[0080] In some embodiments, the center of mass 16 is not on the rotation axis
70,
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
but nevertheless is in register with the mounting aperture 30. More
specifically, in
these embodiments, the mounting aperture 30 is provided in an aperture plane,
which typically coincides with the mounting portion plane 23. A center of mass
axis, which coincides with the rotation axis 70 in the embodiment of the
invention
shown in the drawings, extends through the the center of mass 16 perpendicular
to
the aperture plane, the center of mass axis intersecting the mounting aperture
30.
[0081] In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the accessory tool 10'
furter defining at least one, and for example two storage apertures 100
extending
therethrough distinct from the mounting aperture 30. The storage apertures 100
are usable to store the accessory tool 10 on a nail, a hook or other similar
device.
[0082] The above-described accessory tools 10 and 10' are multi-purpose tools
that can perform many functions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, with
at least
the blade portion first end segment 26 positioned substantially flat on a roof
support surface 50, the accessory tool 10 may be moved substantially sideways
therealong, in order to cut or scrape away roofing residues 72.
[0083] Also, with at least the blade portion first end segment 26 abutting
flatly on
the roof support surface 50, the accessory tool 10 is movable along a
substantially
forward and rearward movement along an axis that is substantially parallel to
the
rectilinear shaped linking portions 46, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Hence,
roofing
material residues 72 and roofing nails 52 may be cut along a longitudinal side
edge of a roofing shingle 82.
[0084] Alternatively, with one of the linking portions 46 resting
substantially
parallelly on a typically flat roof support surface 50 with the accessory tool
10
CA 02886612 2015-03-25
21
generally perpendicular to the roof support surface 50, as illustrated in FIG.
8, a
worker may flot need to apply as much hand gripping force on the oscillating
power tool 20 in order to cut roofing material, compared to known cutting tool
attachments of the prior art.
[0085] Thus, there has been described a accessory tool 10, according to the
present invention, that can be advantageously moved in forward, rearward and
lateral cutting movements along a support surface, while concurrently
maintaining
a parallel attitude relative thereof. The accessory tool 10 of the present
invention
may further be used sidewardly perpendicularly in a forward and rearward
cutting
direction relative to a support surface, while maintaining a substantially
parallel
movement relative thereof.
[0086] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of
exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accord
ingly,
the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments,
but
should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as
a
whole.
