Pole-attached power tool systems

Abstract

Embodiments of a pole-attached power tool system, and related methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pole-attached power tool system may include a pole having a first end, a second end, and an interior region; a handle disposed proximate to the first end of the pole; an electric motor disposed proximate to the first end of the pole; and a drive member disposed within the interior region, the drive member mechanically coupled with the electric motor and the power tool to transfer power generated by the electric motor to a power tool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power tool system, comprising:
 a pole having a first end, a second end, and an interior region, wherein a longitudinal axis of the pole defines a longitudinal direction;   a first handle disposed proximate to the first end of the pole and having a first gripping region;   a second handle, disposed proximate to the first end of the pole and between the first handle and the second end of the pole, having a second gripping region;   an electric motor disposed between the first gripping region and the second gripping region in the longitudinal direction; and   a drive member disposed within the interior region, the drive member mechanically coupled with the electric motor to transfer power generated by the electric motor to a power tool, wherein the center of gravity of the power tool system is located between the mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power tool disposed proximate to the second end of the pole. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive member is mechanically coupled with the electric motor by a gear box. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the gear box is disposed between the first and second handles in the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the gear box comprises at least one cam, gear, or shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gear box disposed proximate to the second end of the pole. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pole has a length that is adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pole has a length that is adjustable, and the center of gravity of the power tool system is located between the first handle and a mid-point of the second handle when the pole is retracted in length. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pole has a length that is adjustable, and the center of gravity of the power tool system is located between the mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole when the pole is extended in length. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source disposed or coupled proximate to a first end of the pole. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a battery disposed proximate to a first end of the pole. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first handle is disposed between the battery and the electric motor in the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the power tool system is adjustable between multiple configurations corresponding to different lengths of the pole and different distances between one or more components of the pole-attached power tool system, and wherein the center of gravity of the pole-attached power tool system is located between the first handle and a mid-point of the second handle when the pole is in a first configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein when the center of gravity of the pole-attached power tool system is located between the mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole, the center of gravity is within six inches of the mid-point of the second handle, when the pole is in a second configuration different from the first configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The power tool system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive member has a length greater than approximately 20 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The power tool system of  claim 15 , wherein the drive member has a length greater than approximately 40 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The power tool system of  claim 1 , wherein the first handle and the second handle are contained in a common handle housing. 
     
     
         18 . The power tool system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive member extends through an interior of the second gripping region. 
     
     
         19 . The power tool system of  claim 1 , wherein the first handle includes a trigger operable to commence actuation of the power tool. 
     
     
         20 . A method for manufacturing a power tool system, comprising:
 providing a first handle and a second handle proximate to a first end of a pole, wherein:
 the first handle has a first gripping region, 
 the second handle has a second gripping region, 
 the second gripping region is provided between the first gripping region and a second end of the pole, and 
 a longitudinal axis of the pole defines a longitudinal direction; 
   providing an electric motor between the first gripping region and the second gripping region in the longitudinal direction; and   providing a drive member within an interior region of the pole, wherein the drive member is mechanically coupled with the electric motor to transfer power generated by the electric motor to a power tool,   wherein a center of gravity of the power tool system is located between the mid-point of the second handle and the first end of the pole.