Power tool and method of operating same

Abstract

There is provided with a power tool a housing having a motor mounted therein for driving a work element mounted below the bottom of the housing for working on a workpiece. The power tool has first and second handles extending from opposite sides thereof, with at least one handle having either or both an enlarged portion and an enhanced gripping portion to facilitate control over the tool. The gripping portion may have an enhanced texture surface, such as an elastomer surface, for an operator to grip the tool. In another form, the power tool may include a switch movable between a first position wherein the power tool is in active state and a second position wherein the power tool is in a de-active state. A lock may be connected to the power tool and movable between a release position wherein the switch is freely movable between its first and second positions and a lock position wherein the switch is locked in the second position so that the power tool can remain in the active state without assistance from an operator. The power tool may also include a recess for retaining an accessory to be used in connection therewith.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A power tool for working on a workpiece comprising: 
 a housing having front, rear and first and second side portions and top and bottom portions;    a motor mounted in the housing;    a work element for working on a workpiece being mounted below the bottom of the housing and being driven by the motor;    a first handle being connected to the housing, extending from the rear portion of the housing and having a first gripping portion;    a second handle being connected to the housing, extending from the front portion of the housing and have a second gripping portion; and    one or both of the first and second gripping portions having an enhanced texture surface for an operator to grip the tool.    
     
     
         2 . A power tool according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second handles includes an enlarged portion to facilitate enhanced gripping.  
     
     
         3 . A power tool according to  claim 1  wherein the enhanced textured surface is an elastomer surface.  
     
     
         4 . A power tool according to  claim 3  herein the elastomer surface is an elastomer injected overmolding.  
     
     
         5 . A power tool according to  claim 3  wherein the first handle includes an upper and lower surface, the lower surface being contoured to enhance gripping by an operator's hand.  
     
     
         6 . A power tool according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second handle have an upper and lower surface, the enhanced textured surface is located on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second handles.  
     
     
         7 . A power tool according to  claim 5  wherein the enhanced textured surface is an elastomer surface.  
     
     
         8 . A power tool according to  claim 6  wherein the elastomer surface is an elastomer injected overmolding.  
     
     
         9 . A power tool according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a switch positioned adjacent the first handle and electrically connected to the motor, wherein the switch is movable between a first position wherein the power tool is in active state and a second position wherein the power tool is in a de-active state; and  
 a lock connected to the power tool and movable between a release position wherein the switch is freely movable between its first and second positions and a lock position wherein the switch is locked in the second position so that the power tool can remain in the active state without assistance from an operator.  
 
     
     
         10 . A power tool according to  claim 8  further comprising a power cord for electrically connecting the power tool to a power supply, wherein the power cord extends from a distal end of the first handle and is electrically connected to the motor.  
     
     
         11 . A power tool according to  claim 9  further comprising a strain relief connected to the distal end of the handle and the power cord, wherein the strain relief assists the power cord in retaining its electrical connection to the motor when pulled on from a location on the cord remote from the power tool.  
     
     
         12 . A power tool according to  claim 8  wherein at least one of the first and second handles define a recess for retaining an accessory to be used in conjunction with the power tool.  
     
     
         13 . A power tool according to  claim 1  further comprising an accessory which is movable between a first position wherein the accessory is retained in the recess defined by the at least one of said first and second handles and a second position remote from the recess so that the accessory may be used to perform work on a workpiece.  
     
     
         14 . A power tool according to  claim 12  wherein the recess has a slot-like configuration.  
     
     
         15 . A power tool according to  claim 13  wherein the accessory is a brush-type tool which is capable of being moved between a retained position in the slot and a released position remote from the slot so that an operator may utilize the brush-type tool apart from the power tool to perform work on a workpiece.  
     
     
         16 . An electrically-powered polisher having a pad and a motor to drive the pad, the polisher comprising: 
 a housing for containing a motor to drive a pad located below the housing; and    a handle connected to the housing defining a recess for retaining an accessory to be used in conjunction with the polisher.    
     
     
         17 . An electrically-powered polisher according to  claim 16  further comprising an accessory brush which is movable between a first position wherein the brush is retained in the recess defined by the handle and a second position remote from the opening so that the brush may be used to perform work on a workpiece.