Stripzall Oscillating blade

Abstract

A blade for cutting and stripping insulation from insulated wires/electrical conductors, as an accessory for a power tool, includes a mounting portion configured to mate with an oscillating drive member of a power tool. A support arm portion extends from the mounting portion in a first direction. The support arm portion includes an inner edge that faces in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A blade portion extends from the support arm generally in the second direction. The blade portion includes a trailing edge arranged facing generally toward the mounting portion and a leading edge arranged facing generally away from the mounting portion. The trailing edge and the leading edge portion meet to define a rounded tip portion.

Claims

1. A blade for cutting and stripping insulation from insulated electrical conductors comprising a a mounting portion configured to mate with an oscillating drive member of a power tool wherein a support arm portion 16 extends from the mounting portion in a first direction and includes an inner edge that faces in a second direction transverse to the first direction a blade portion extends from the support arm generally in the second direction wherein the blade portion includes a trailing edge arranged facing generally toward the mounting portion and a leading edge arranged facing generally away from the mounting portion. The trailing edge and the leading edge portion meet to define a rounded tip portion.

2. The mountable blade of claim 1, wherein the trailing edge includes a circular cutting edge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top elevational view of the oscillating blade;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of an oscillating tool including an oscillating blade according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of oscillating blade;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the oscillating blade according to one embodiment the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a blade for stripping and cutting generally cylindrical bodies is illustrated which includes the present invention. The cutting blade is particularly useful for cutting and stripping insulation from insulated electrical conductors, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to electrical applications.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is directed to mounted blade for an oscillating power tool. Mounted blade 15 facilitates using the oscillating power tool in cutting and stripping electrical wires and conductors. Mounted blade 15 includes a mounting portion 14, a support arm portion, and a blade portion 12. The mounting portion 14 secures the blade 15 to the oscillating tool. The blade that is almost U shaped at its upper end will be stamped out of tool steel and sharpened. The top of the blade which is the cutting blade portion 12 has almost a semicircular shape at the cutting end like a large teeth of a Rip blade and the other upper end has the two top sides of an irregular hexagon. The lower end which is the arm portion 16 has a rectangular body closed by a semicircle at the bottom. At this lower end on the mounting portion lies the universal Starlock connection 11 which is on the mounting portion 14 which will enable it to be run by many different manufacturers of oscillating tools.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, the oscillating tool defines a longitudinal axis L. An oscillating drive member (not shown) extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The motor is configured to oscillate (left and right movements) the drive member about an axis M at high frequencies, e.g., 5,000 to 25,000 oscillations per minute, with a small oscillating angle, typically, allowing the blade to cleanly and evenly cut through the insulation on the exterior of the wire. It cuts through a small section of the insulation so that the rest of the insulation can easily be pulled off revealing the inner copper or aluminum core.

[0018] The drive member supports an accessory tool holder exterior to the housing. The tool holder is configured to secure various accessory tools to the drive member, such as mounted blade 15. As the tool holder is oscillated by the drive member, the accessory tool is driven to oscillate about the axis M of the drive member.

[0019] Mounted blade 15 comprises a planar body formed of a hard metal material, such as carbon steel. Mounted blade 15 may be formed by stamping sheet metal with one or more dies that define the perimeter shape and openings of the tool. As depicted, the body is shaped to form a mounting portion 14, a support arm portion 16, and a cutting blade portion 12.

[0020] The mounting portion 14 has a generally flat disc-like shape that defines the central opening and smaller openings of the drive structure. As depicted in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the mounting portion 14 defines a slot that extends from the central opening through the outer periphery of the mounting portion. The slot enables the mounting portion to be installed and removed from the tool holder. The mounting portion 14 defines a central axis C that is centered in the slot and central opening. The central axis C of the mounting portion defines the default mounting orientation of the blade and serves as a guide for mounting the blade to the tool holder of the oscillating tool. In the default mounting orientation, the mounting portion is secured to the tool holder with the central axis C aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the oscillating tool. The mounting portion, however, can be secured to the tool holder with the central axis C oriented in a plurality of different directions that are transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The mounting portion 14 is secured to the tool holder with the body of the blade arranged parallel to the axis M (FIG. 2) of the drive member. The planar body thus oscillates substantially in a first plane, or oscillation plane, that is parallel to the axis M of the drive member.

[0021] The support arm 16 offsets the blade from the mounting portion so the blade, and particularly the semi circular cutting edge 12, can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the directions of oscillating movement of the drive member. The semi circular edge serves as a guide surface and facilitate the cutting or stripping of the wires.

[0022] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected

[0023] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a mountable blade for stripping insulated electrical conductors which fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.