Patent · US Expired

Locking trigger mechanism for a portable power tool

US5638945A · kind A · utility

45Cited by
12References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 10, 1996
Grant dateJun 17, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 10, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H9/06
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A trigger mechanism for a portable electric power tool which can be selectively oriented in one of three states being a Locked-off, an On, and a Locked-on state. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger having a first latch portion and an actuator for actuating a switch for energizing a motor, a lock button having a second latch portion, a latch return spring, and a lock button return spring. The trigger is shiftable longitudinally between a Trigger-off and a Trigger-on position, while the lock button is shiftable transversely between a Button-off and a Button-on position. When the trigger mechanism is in the Locked-off state, the lock button is in the Button-off position preventing the trigger from moving from the Trigger-off position. When the trigger mechanism is in the On state, the lock button has been shifted to the Button-on position so that the trigger is shiftable to the Trigger-on position thereby actuating the switch. When the trigger mechanism is in the Locked-on state, the operator positions the first latch portion so that by releasing the trigger while in the On state the first and second latch portions engage.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.