US20100002415A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20100002415A1
Application number: US12/277,953
Authority: US
Inventors: Jennifer R. Munn; Rachel Lombardo; David C. Campbell
Original assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Current assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Priority date: 2008-07-01
Filing date: 2008-11-25
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: EP2140961A1; CN201470940U

Abstract

A machine according to the present teachings can include a machine housing and a drive mechanism disposed in the machine housing and driving an output member. An input member can be associated with the machine housing for activating the drive mechanism. A working member can be driven by the output member. A light source can be coupled to the machine housing that projects UV light onto an area proximate to the working member. According to additional features, the light source can comprise a UV light source. According to other features, the light source can collectively define a light emitting device and a filter. The filter can allow black light to pass therethrough. The light emitting device can comprise an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode, or a fluorescent bulb according to various examples.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/166,089 filed on Jul. 1, 2008. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to machines and more particularly relate to a machine having a UV light source for illuminating markings on a workpiece.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Machines are provided in many varieties, such as handheld power tools for example that can be used to manipulate (such as cut) a workpiece (i.e., a jigsaw, rotary tool, circular saw, grinder, etc.). Other machines can include sewing machines or other machines that are used to manipulate a workpiece (i.e., sew or employ stitching with a thread to a material such as fabric, or leather for example). It is appreciated that manipulating a workpiece can include joining multiple workpieces together. In some instances, prior to performing a manipulating operation, a user may mark onto a workpiece with a writing instrument a desired working path. The working path can then be followed by the working member (i.e., saw blade, bit, needle, etc.). Sometimes, it may be difficult for a user to effectively view such markings while performing a cutting operation (or other material working operation, such as joining, sewing, grinding and drilling for example) on the workpiece. Furthermore, while many examples require a working path along a straight line, some applications may require a working path (such as a cutting path or joining path) that defines curves or other non-linear shapes.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

A machine according to the present teachings can include a machine housing and a drive mechanism disposed in the machine housing and driving an output member. An input member can be associated with the machine housing for activating the drive mechanism. A working member can be driven by the output member. A light source can be coupled to the machine housing that projects UV light onto an area proximate to the working member.

According to additional features, the light source can comprise a UV light source. According to other features, the light source can collectively define a light emitting device and a filter. The filter can allow black light to pass therethrough. The light emitting device can comprise an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode, or a fluorescent bulb according to various examples.

A writing instrument can be operable to place markings onto a workpiece. The markings can correspond to a working pattern. The UV light can illuminate the working pattern relative to the area proximate to the working member. The light source according to one example can be disposed on the machine housing generally proximate to the working member.

The light source can be powered by a power source that is internal to the machine housing. In other features, the light source can be powered by a common power source as the drive mechanism. The machine can further comprise a switch that selectively electrically connects the light source to the common power source. The light source can be disposed in a light housing that is portable and comprises an internal power source.

In one example, the machine can comprise a sewing machine. The working member can comprise a needle. The input member can comprise a foot pedal. In other features, the machine can comprise one of a rotary tool, a grinder, a circular saw and a jigsaw. According to one example, the drive mechanism can be hand driven.

A method of manipulating a workpiece with a machine can include marking a pattern onto the workpiece with a writing instrument. A UV light source associated with the workpiece can be activated. The UV light source can emit light that makes the markings of the pattern appear optically brighter relative to the surrounding areas of the workpiece in range of the emitted light. The workpiece can be manipulated with a working member on the machine while directing the working member substantially along the markings. The working member can include a needle. Manipulating the workpiece can include repeatedly passing the needle through the workpiece to secure a flexible member carried by the needle substantially along the markings.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary power hand tool having a UV light source according to one example of the present teachings;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary workpiece having markings drawn on it by a writing instrument;

FIG. 3 is a partial side perspective view of the power hand tool ofFIG. 1 and shown cutting through the workpiece ofFIG. 2 along the marking lines while the UV light illuminates the markings;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic view of a power tool constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic view of a power tool constructed in accordance to the present teachings and cooperating with a portable UV light source;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic view of a machine constructed in accordance to various examples of the present teachings;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an exemplary sewing machine having a light source according to one example of the present teachings;

FIG. 8 is a partial side perspective view of the machine ofFIG. 7 and shown performing a sewing stitch through an exemplary workpiece along the marking lines while the light source illuminates the markings; and

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a light source according to additional features of the present teachings and including a light emitting member and a film.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals can indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Moreover, certain terminology can be used for the purpose of reference only and do not limit the present teachings. For example, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above” and “below” can refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,” “rear” and “side” can describe the orientation of portions of the component, function, system, etc. within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which can be made more clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component, function, system, etc. under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first,” “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures, systems and/or methods do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

With initial reference toFIG. 1, a power tool constructed in accordance with the present teachings is shown and generally identified atreference numeral10. Thepower tool10 can generally comprise ahousing12 containing amotor14. Thehousing12 can generally comprise amain body16, afront portion18, arear portion20, an upper portion22 and alower portion24. In one example, the upper portion22 can define ahandle30 having atrigger assembly32. Apower switch34 can be provided on the upper portion22 of thetool10.

When activated by thetrigger assembly32, themotor14 can provide a reciprocating and/or pendulum motion to an output member, such as acutting blade holder40, on an end of a reciprocating shaft to drive acutting blade42. Acontrol member44 can be provided on themain body16 of thehousing12. In one example, thecontrol member44 can control a rate of reciprocation and/or a magnitude of a pendulum motion of thecutting blade42.

While thehandheld power tool10 is represented in the figures as a jigsaw, the teachings of the present disclosure are also applicable to other handheld power tools, such as, but not limited to, circulating saws, reciprocating saws, scroll saws, miter saw, band saws, portable band saws, rotary tools, cut-out tools, drills, routers, grinders, or any other tool in which an illumination of an area or path would assist the user in seeing a cutting or working line. As will be discussed in greater detail, the present teachings are applicable to machines in general or any device where following a path is recommended during use.

Ashoe member50 can be coupled to thelower portion24 of thehousing12. During use, abottom surface54 of theshoe member50 can abut aworkpiece56, which can be wood, plastic, metal, other suitable materials and one or more combinations thereof and can be in the form of pipe, sheet material, stock material, other suitable forms and/or materials and one or more combinations thereof. Thehandheld power tool10 can further comprise arolling blade guide60 that can guide theblade42 during reciprocating motion. Adust blower62 can be disposed in thehousing12, such as near thelower portion24. Thedust blower62 can be configured to blow air onto theworkpiece56 in a direction generally proximate to the cutting area of theblade42 to disperse debris from theworkpiece56 at an area adjacent to theblade42.

Thehandheld power tool10 can further comprise alight source70 having alight outlet72. In one example, thelight source70 can be disposed generally on thefront portion18 of thehousing12. Thelight source70 according to the present teachings can comprise an ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light can be in the form of a bulb, a light-emitting diode (LED), or other forms. In one example, theUV light source70 can include a black light. Thelight source70 can be configured to shine light out of thelight outlet72 and onto awork area76 of theworkpiece56. In one example, thelight source70 can emit a generallywide beam80 of UV light onto thework area76 of theworkpiece56. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, thelight source70 can emit thebeam80 onto thework area76 of theworkpiece56 to illuminate markings drawn by the user onto theworkpiece56 that identify an area of interest such as a desired cut pattern for example.

With continual reference toFIG. 1 and additional reference now toFIGS. 2 and 3, thehandheld power tool10 and an exemplary method of using thehandheld power tool10 will be described in greater detail. A writinginstrument84 can be provided for drawingmarkings86 onto theworkpiece56. According to various examples, a writinginstrument84 can comprise any writing tool that can mark a workpiece, such as a highlighter, a pencil, a pen, a marker, or other writing tool. According to various examples, the pencil can comprise a graphite pencil, a charcoal pencil, a crayon, a grease pencil, or other variety of pencil. The highlighter, according to various examples, can comprise any color, such as yellow for example. In this way, a user can draw themarkings86 onto theworkpiece56 to identify a desired line of cut.

As can be appreciated, in some examples, it may be desirable to cut along a curved cutting path (such as shown inFIG. 2). According to one advantage of the present teachings, thelight source70 can be adapted to transmit UV light onto the surroundingwork area76 rather than simply project a line of light, such as provided by a laser, for example. By shining on an area, the UV light can shine on markings that are within thework area76.

As shown inFIG. 3, thehandheld power tool10 is shown cutting theworkpiece56 along the marking86. Thebeam80 of thelight source70 illuminates themarkings86 by way of the UV light. In one example, the UV light can transmit radiation prompting visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence. More specifically, thebeam80 of UV light illuminates themarkings86 relative to the surroundingwork area76 to make the markings easily visible by the user. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the UV light may be projected onto thework area76 of theworkpiece56, thework area76 does not necessarily illuminate as would be the case with a conventional incandescent (or other) light bulb. Instead, the UV light will cause themarkings86 to illuminate significantly relative to the remainder of the work area76 (i.e., areas without themarkings86 but within the work area76). Also, as can be appreciated, thebeam80 of UV light can effectively illuminate a curved path of themarkings86, such that a user can effectively anticipate movements of thetool10 as the user cuts through theworkpiece56.

With reference now toFIG. 4, a handheld power tool110 according to additional features is shown. The power tool110 can generally define a tool housing112. While not specifically shown inFIG. 4, the power tool110 can generally take the form of thehandheld power tool10 described above with respect toFIG. 1. It is appreciated that while specific components shown in thepower tool10 ofFIG. 1 have been omitted in the illustration of the power tool110 ofFIG. 4 that they are simply omitted for clarity purposes.

The power tool110 can comprise a light source170 having a light outlet172. The light source170 having the light outlet172 can be generally provided as part of a light housing174. The light source170 can be configured to emit UV light as described above with respect to the light source170. The power tool110 can further comprise a power distributor/converter that can convert alternating current (AC) from a power cord178 into usable power for the power tool110. According to the example shown inFIG. 4, the power tool110 can include an on/off switch180. The on/off switch180 can be turned to an “on” position to communicate electrical power from the power distributor/converter176 to the light source170. In one example, the light source170 can be powered by the same source as other components (i.e., the motor) of the power tool110. As can be appreciated, by turning the on/off switch180 to an “off” position, a user can disable power communication to the light source170 when the light source170 is not needed. It is appreciated that while the power tool110 has been shown with a standard AC power cord178, the power tool110 can alternatively be powered by an onboard power source, such as batteries, for example.

Turning now toFIG. 5, a handheld power tool210 will be described in cooperation with a portable light source270. Again, it is appreciated that the power tool210 can be configured similar to thepower tool10 illustrated inFIG. 1. In this way, features shown and described above with respect to the power tool10 (ormachines310,410) can likewise be included on the power tool210 ofFIG. 5. According to the example shown inFIG. 5, the power tool210 can include a receiving member220 that can selectively couple with an attachment member224 defined on a light housing274 of the light source270. The light source270 can be configured to transmit UV light, such as described above in relation to thepower tools10 and110 described above. The light source270 according to the example ofFIG. 5 can be a self-contained light source having an onboard power supply276 (such as batteries for example) electrically coupled to an on/off switch280 provided on the light housing274. The light source270 can define a light outlet272 for emitting UV light onto a workpiece.

The receiving member220 and attachment member224 can take various forms. In one example, the receiving member220 and the attachment member224 can comprise a combination of fasteners that are configured to selectively mate with complementary features for securing the light source270 to the tool210. It is appreciated that the receiving member220 and the attachment member224 can take on other forms, such as, but not limited to, magnets. It is contemplated that the receiving member220 can be arranged such that when the attachment member224 is coupled with the receiving member220, the light outlet272 is aligned for emitting the UV light onto the work area (i.e.,work area76,FIG. 1). According to other features, it is contemplated that the light outlet272 can be adjustable, such that a user can alter the direction of emitted light from the light outlet272. It is also contemplated that the light source70 (FIG. 1) and the light source170 (FIG. 4) can also include an adjustablelight outlet72 and172, respectively, such that a user can adjust the direction that the light is emitted onto in thework area76 of theworkpiece56.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a machine constructed in accordance with additional features of the present teachings is shown and generally identified atreference numeral310. Themachine310 can generally comprise a machine housing312 containing adrive mechanism314. Aninput member332 can be coupled to the housing312. Anoutput member340 can be driven by thedrive mechanism314 in response to an input from theinput member332 and provide a resultant motion onto a working member342. Themachine310 can further comprise alight source370 operable to shine a light out of thelight source370 and onto awork area376 of aworkpiece356. Thelight source370 can emit a generallywide beam380 of UV light onto thework area376 of theworkpiece356. By way of example, themachine310 can comprise any machine used to perform a task on a workpiece. More particularly, themachine310 can comprise any machine used to manipulate (i.e., cut, drill, grind, join, sew, weld, etc.) a workpiece356 (including multiple workpieces concurrently) where an operator may follow a path identified on the workpiece356 (markings, etc) with the working member342. In this way, the working member can include, for example, a blade, a bit, a grinding wheel, a needle, other cutting instruments or joining instruments, and others. Thedrive mechanism314 can comprise a motor such as described above with respect to themotor14. Thedrive mechanism314 can also comprise non-motorized devices such as hand operated devices or other apparatus that can impart motion onto anoutput member340.

Turning now toFIG. 7, asewing machine410 constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings is shown. Thesewing machine410 can generally comprise asewing machine housing412 having adrive mechanism414 in the form of a motor. Aninput member432 can be coupled to thesewing machine410 for providing a signal to thedrive mechanism414. Theinput member432 according to one example can comprise a foot pedal. Thedrive mechanism414 can drive anoutput member440 such as a needle holder. Theoutput member440 can selectively retain a working member such as aneedle442. As can be appreciated, theneedle442 can be adapted to carry a flexible member such as athread446. As can be appreciated, repeatedly passing theneedle442 through aworkpiece456 can secure theflexible member446 to theworkpiece456 along a path. Alight source470 can project light onto theworkpiece456. Thelight source470 can emit a generallywide beam480 of UV light onto awork area476 of theworkpiece456. Theexemplary workpiece456 ofFIG. 7 can be any material suitable for sewing such as, but not limited to fabric, textiles or leather for example. Thesewing machine410 can further comprise a power distributor/converter that can convert alternating current (AC) from a power cord into usable power as described above in relation to the power tool110 inFIG. 4.

With continued reference toFIG. 7 and additional reference now toFIG. 8, themachine410 and an exemplary method of using themachine410 will be described in greater detail. A writing instrument (such as the writinginstrument84 described above and shown inFIG. 2) can be used for drawingmarkings486 onto theworkpiece456. In one example, a user can draw themarkings486 onto theworkpiece456 to identify a desired sewing line. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesewing line486 may be identified along a single workpiece (a single piece of material such as fabric) or can alternatively represent a line indicating where multiple pieces of material will be joined by thethread446 during a sewing operation. As with the examples described above, thelight source470 can be adapted to transmit UV light onto the surroundingwork area476 rather than simply project a line of light, such as provided by a laser, for example. By shining light onto an area, the UV light can shine on markings that are within thework area476. As shown inFIG. 8, themachine410 is shown sewing along the marking486 of theworkpiece456. Thebeam480 of thelight source470 illuminates themarkings486 by way of the UV light. As described above, the UV light can transmit radiation prompting visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence. Also as described above, the UV light will cause themarkings486 to illuminate significantly relative to the remainder of the work area476 (i.e., areas without themarkings486, but within the work area476).

Turning now toFIG. 9, alight source570 according to additional features of the present teachings is shown. Thelight source570 can be collectively defined by alight emitting device574 and afilter578. Thelight emitting device574 can include any light source, such as an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode, a fluorescent bulb or others that is capable of emitting at least partially a percentage of UV light. Explained differently, thelight source570 can be configured to emit a percentage of black light and a remaining percentage of other light. Thefilter578 can be a black light filter or other filter that is operable to filter out visible light (i.e., other light identified above) and only allow black light to pass through. Thelight source470 can be substituted for any of the

light sources

70,170,270 or370 described herein.

While specific aspects have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements and components thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings, as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements, components and/or functions between various aspects of the present teachings are expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art will appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements, components and/or functions of one aspect of the present teachings can be incorporated into another aspect, as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, configuration or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular aspects illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings, but that the scope of the present teachings include many aspects and examples following within the foregoing description and the appended claims.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A machine comprising:

a machine housing;

a drive mechanism disposed in the machine housing and driving an output member;

an input member associated with the machine housing for activating the drive mechanism;

a working member driven by the output member; and

a light source coupled to the machine housing that projects UV light onto an area proximate to the working member.

2. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the light source comprises a UV light source.

3. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the light source collectively defines a light emitting device and a filter, wherein the filter allows black light to pass therethrough.

4. The machine ofclaim 3 wherein the light emitting device comprises one of an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode and a fluorescent bulb.

5. The machine ofclaim 1, further comprising a writing instrument operable to place markings onto a workpiece, the markings corresponding to a working pattern and wherein the UV light illuminates the working pattern relative to the area proximate to the working member.

6. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the light source is disposed on the machine housing generally proximate to the working member.

7. The machine ofclaim 6 wherein the light source is powered by a power source internal to the machine housing.

8. The machine ofclaim 7 wherein the light source is powered by a common power source as the drive mechanism.

9. The machine ofclaim 8, further comprising a switch to selectively electrically connect the light source to the common power source.

10. The machine ofclaim 6 wherein the light source is disposed in a light housing that is portable and comprises an internal power source.

11. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the machine comprises a sewing machine.

12. The machine ofclaim 11 wherein the working member comprises a needle.

13. The machine ofclaim 12 wherein the input member comprises a foot pedal.

14. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the drive mechanism is hand driven.

15. The machine ofclaim 1 wherein the machine comprises one of a rotary tool, grinder, circular saw, scroll saw, band saw and jigsaw.

16. A machine comprising:

a machine housing having an input member;

a motor provided in the machine housing and coupled to an output member, the motor activating in response to an input from the input member;

a working member driven by the output member;

a black light disposed on the machine housing and emitting light adjacent to the working member; and

a writing instrument configured to mark a workpiece corresponding to a working pattern;

wherein the emitted light from the black light makes the marks of the working pattern appear optically brighter than areas of the workpiece in range of the emitted black light but without the marks.

17. The machine ofclaim 16 wherein the writing instrument comprises a highlighter.

18. The machine ofclaim 16 wherein the writing instrument comprises a pencil.

19. The machine ofclaim 16 wherein the black light is powered by a power source common with the motor.

20. The machine ofclaim 16 wherein the black light is disposed in a light housing, the light housing being selectively attached to the machine housing.

21. The machine ofclaim 20 wherein the light housing is portable and comprises an internal power source.

22. A method of manipulating a workpiece with a machine, the method comprising:

marking a pattern onto the workpiece with a writing instrument;

activating a UV light source associated with the workpiece, the UV light source emitting light that makes the markings of the pattern appear optically brighter relative to the surrounding areas of the workpiece in range of the emitted light; and

manipulating the workpiece with a working member on the machine while directing the working member substantially along the markings.

23. The method ofclaim 22 wherein the working member includes a needle and manipulating the workpiece includes repeatedly passing the needle through the workpiece to secure a flexible member carried by the needle substantially along the markings.