Oscillating Tool Adapter

Abstract

A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the first accessory from the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly can further comprise a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members. An attachment plate can carry the clamp assembly. The attachment plate can have a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool, the clamp arrangement comprising:
 a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp member of the clamp assembly is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the accessory from the clamp assembly while the first clamp member remains coupled to the clamp assembly, the clamp assembly further comprising a second clamp member, a cam body and a stem, the second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members wherein the first clamp member is configured to rotatably engage the cam body causing the first clamp member to translate along an axis of the stem toward and away from the second clamp member; and   an attachment plate having a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.   
     
     
         2 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener configured to selectively and removably extend through a portion of the attachment plate and rotationally fix the attachment plate to an output member of the power tool. 
     
     
         3 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the stem includes a flat formed thereon that engages a planar mounting surface provided on the cam body for non-rotatably mounting the cam body to the stem. 
     
     
         4 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 3 , further comprising a biasing member that is biased between the attachment plate and the first clamp member for biasing the first clamp member toward the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the first clamp member includes at least one pawl that is configured to ride along an opposing surface of the cam body. 
     
     
         6 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 5  wherein the cam body further comprises a corresponding ramp surface that directs the first clamp member between the open and closed positions upon slidable engagement with the at least one pawl. 
     
     
         7 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the first mating detail collectively comprises a first mating geometry and a second distinct mating geometry that are configured to selectively and alternatively mate with the complementary second mating detail. 
     
     
         8 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 7  wherein the first mating geometry comprises a keyed recess formed into the attachment plate and wherein the second mating geometry comprises a plurality of recesses formed around the keyed recess. 
     
     
         9 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 8  wherein the keyed recess comprises a twelve point star. 
     
     
         10 . The claim arrangement of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of recesses comprises a plurality of oval recesses extending into the keyed recess. 
     
     
         11 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the first clamp member includes a peripheral flange extending from an outer surface of the first clamp member, the peripheral flange configured to permit manual lifting of the first clamp member relative to the second clamp member permitting removal of the accessory from the clamp assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The clamp arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the second clamp member comprises a second clamp body having a second clamping surface, the second clamping surface including a plurality of tapered protrusions configured to cooperatively locate into a corresponding plurality of recesses on the first clamp member when the clamp arrangement is in the closed position.