Cutlery – Cutting tools – Saw
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-01-16
Payer, Hwel-Slu (Department: 3724)
Cutlery
Cutting tools
Saw
C173SDIG002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173500
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to power tools that include a rubber boot and, in particular, to a plug that is a part of the rubber boot to seal an opening in the tool's housing.
2. Scope of the Prior Art
Power tools such as reciprocating saws and the like include a casing, or housing. The housing holds the motor and gear assembly of the tool. In order to secure the housing to the tool's frame or gearbox, the housing includes an opening so that a fastener can secure the housing to the tool. As is known, the gearbox includes grease or another type of lubricant to ensure that the gears function properly. In order that the grease does not leak from the tool, an end cap covers the opening. The cap includes a portion that fits within the housing to seal the housing and a head portion that can be extended out from the housing. Typically, the cap is made of plastic. Because of the design of the tool and the cap, the cap is an extra part that must be separately manufactured for use with the tool. As a separate part, the cap must also be assembled onto the saw.
Reciprocating saws, and other power tools, have a rubber boot component that surrounds a part of the housing. This rubber boot is provided at the front portion of the housing to make the housing more comfortable to grip. In addition, the boot insulates the saw during operation of the saw. The rubber boot is usually made of one piece that is pressed onto the housing of the tool in a known manner. On those tools that include a cap, the boot covers the cap. The application of the boot to the housing, which can use heat and pressure, can cause the cap to crack and break the seal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rubber boot that is used with a power tool that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. As described above, power tools include a housing having openings. Fasteners, such as bolts, pass through the openings to attach the housing to a component of the tool such as a frame. A rubber boot encases the housing to insulate the tool. The boot of the present invention includes a sealing plug that is integrally formed on the inner surface of the boot. The sealing plug is inserted into the opening and the rubber boot is formed to the housing. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing plug includes seal lips and recesses to release pressure between the boot and the housing.
The seal plug of the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Integrating the plug into the boot reduces the number of parts necessary to manufacture a tool and reduces the steps necessary to assemble the tool. As the seal plug is made of the same material as the boot, it is less likely that the seal will be broken during manufacture or use. In addition, integrating the plug as a part of the boot increases the reliability that the plug will be inserted into the opening and that the opening is sealed. Overall, the seal plug of the present invention improves the performance of the tool, uses fewer parts makes it easier to assembly and reduces the costs of the tool.
These and numerous other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
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Gardner Carton & Douglas
Payer Hwel-Slu
S-B Power Tool Company
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