A Footplate Fußplatte Plaque De Pied

(19) &

(11) EP 2 018 936 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B23Q 9/00 (2006.01) 14.07.2010 Bulletin 2010/28

(21) Application number: 07113273.2

(22) Date of filing: 26.07.2007

(54) A footplate Fußplatte Plaque de pied

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Rogers, Joanne DE GB SE County Durham DL14 6XL (GB) (43) Date of publication of application: 28.01.2009 Bulletin 2009/05 (74) Representative: Bell, Ian Stephen et al Black & Decker (73) Proprietor: Black & Decker Inc. Patent Department Newark, Delaware 19711 (US) 210 Bath Road Slough (72) Inventors: Berkshire SL1 3YD (GB) • Thomas, Roger Cleveland (56) References cited: TS21 2DS (GB) DE-A1- 3 606 525 DE-U1- 20 017 862 • Keenlyside, Scott DE-U1- 20 101 525 GB-A- 2 204 528 County Durham DL14 8YW (GB)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 018 936 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 018 936 B1 2

Description part of the dual-restriction decreases, and vice versa. This is not important because the footplate is normally [0001] The invention relates to a footplate for a hand- used with one guide with one type of rail at any one time. held tool. A footplate of this type is for use with a guide [0007] Preferably, the adjustable side walls are oppos- which is to be positioned upon a workpiece. The guide 5 ing sides of a perimeter wall the eccentric element. This has a rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the dispenses with the need for additional components be- guide on its upper side opposite the workpiece in the tween the eccentric element and the rail of the guide upon position of use. The footplate which is attached, or may which the footplate is positioned. In other words, the pe- beattached, to the tool and has on its lower side a channel rimeter wall of the eccentric element slides directly for engagement of the rail of the guide, so that the tool 10 against the rail. may be positioned on the guide and guided along the rail [0008] Preferably, the perimeter wall is a cylindrical when the rail engages the channel. wall arranged eccentrically in relation to the axis of rota- [0002] A footplate known from DE 200 17 862 U1 has tion of the eccentric element. This ensures that the ec- one channel for engaging the rail of one type of guide. centric element can adjust and fine-tune the width be- The channel has two restrictions, one located at each 15 tween fixed and adjustable side walls gradually and pre- longitudinal end of the footplate. The width of each re- cisely. striction is defined, on the one hand, by a fixed side wall [0009] Preferably, the eccentric element is secured to in the channel and, on the other hand, by an adjustable the footplate by a fixing bolt connected to a bearing por- side wall. The adjustable side wall may be adjusted trans- tion of the footplate, wherein the fixing bolt can be unfas- versely to the longitudinal direction by an adjustment20 tened or fastened to enable or disable rotation of the ec- mechanism thereby altering the width of the channel. The centric, respectively. The fixing bolt performs the function adjustment mechanisms are for fine-tuning clearance be- of rotational axis and fastening means for the eccentric tween the channel and the rail so that the footplate is element. This is a simple and inexpensive means of en- guided along the guide without wobbling, as it were, in abling or disabling rotation of the eccentric element. an exactly linear manner. These restrictions are referred 25 [0010] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism com- to as "single-restrictions" because they can alter the prises a manually accessible actuating member for ro- width of only one channel. tating the eccentric element. As such, the eccentric ele- [0003] A footplate known from DE 36 06 525, forming ment can be easily manipulated by the user of the tool. the base of the preamble of claim 1, has two channels The actuating member may take the form of a knurled on its lower side. Each channel can engage the rail of a 30 cylindrical knob. different type of guide. The two channels are parallel to [0011] Preferably, the eccentric element is can be ro- each other and are, in effect, the two parts of a "dual- tated about 360°. This facilitates easy use by left-handed restriction", albeit a non-adjustable dual-restriction be- and right-handed users of the tool. cause it cannot alter the width of either channel. [0012] Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism com- [0004] The present invention relates to a footplate of 35 prises two arms, each arm arranged at one end to pivot the type mentioned at the outset, in which the footplate about a common pivot point so that an open mouth may which has two channels. Each channel can engage the be formed at the other ends of the arms, and a wedge rail of a different guide. The object of the invention is to arranged to move within the mouth according to the po- ensure exact linear guidance of the footplate no matter sition of a control device, whereby movement of the which guide is used. 40 wedge into the mouth forces the arms to pivot apart to [0005] This object is achieved according to the present reduce the width between the fixed and adjustable side invention which is a footplate for a hand-held tool as de- walls, and whereby movement of the wedge away from fined by claim 1. The adjustable side walls may be parts the mouth allows the arms to pivot closer to each other of separate components or different sides of one com- to increase the width between the fixed and adjustable ponent. The adjustable side walls can fine- tune the clear- 45 side walls. As a result of its wedge action this design of ance at the dual-restriction to ensure linear guidance of adjustment mechanism has the advantage of being high- the footplate along the guide. One sole adjustment mech- ly resistant to any external forces changing the position anism per dual-restriction makes efficient use of the ma- of the adjustable side walls. terials for making the footplate. This reduces cost and [0013] Preferably, each arm of the alternative design complexity. 50 of adjustment mechanism has a shoulder and one shoul- [0006] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism com- der protrudes away from the other shoulder in the trans- prises a rotatable eccentric element located between the verse direction, whereby one shoulder is the adjustable adjustable side walls. As such, the eccentric element can side wall of the first part of the dual-restriction and the adjust the width between fixed and adjustable side walls other shoulder is the adjustable side wall of the second simply by rotating about its own axis. Naturally, the width 55 part of the dual-restriction. between fixed and adjustable side walls of the first part [0014] Preferably, the control device of the alternative of the dual-restriction can only increase whilst the width design of adjustment mechanism is a grub- screw thread- between fixed and adjustable side walls of the second edly engaged with an externally accessible hole in the

2 3 EP 2 018 936 B1 4 footplate, whereby rotation of the grub-screw into the [0018] The user can also push the plunge saw forward- footplate moves the wedge into the mouth and whereby ly, again via the handles, so that the footplate 14 slides rotation of the grub-screw out of the footplate allows the along the guide 11 to ensure that the blade cuts a straight wedge to move out of the mouth. More preferably, each line. The guide is made of strong material, like, for ex- arm is biased to pivot towards the other arm. 5 ample, metal. Sliding motion is assisted by a pair of low- [0015] Two embodiments of the invention will be de- friction strips 30, 32 located on the upper surface of the scribed with reference to the drawings, in which: guide. [0019] The guide 11 has a straight rail 34 on its upper Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a plunge saw surface and the footplate has a substantially correspond- upon a guide; 10 ingly-shaped middle channel 36 in its lower surface. En- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plunge saw upon gagement between rail and middle channel guides the the guide; footplate as it slides along the guide. In order to ensure Figure 3 is an end view of the plunge saw and guide a linear cut in the workpiece, the plunge saw 10 is posi- of Figure 2; tioned on the guide 11 which is placed upon the work- Figure 4 is an end view of detail A shown in Figure 3; 15 piece, rather than the plunge saw being positioned di- Figure 5 is an end view of the guide; rectly onto the workpiece. Figure 6 is an underside view of a footplate of the [0020] A guide lip 38, made of trimmable material, like, plunge saw; for example, hard rubber, is located beneath a long side Figure 7 is cross- sectional view VII-VII in Figure 8 of face 40 of the guide. When new, the guide lip is oversized an adjustable mechanism in the form of an eccentric 20 to be wider than the distance X between an inner surface element; 112 of the blade and the long side face of the guide. The Figure 8 is an end view of the footplate; blade’s first cut severs an outer margin 38a of the guide Figure 9 is a perspective view of the eccentric ele- lip. What remains of the guide lip touches the blade. In ment; other words, there is no gap between the blade inner Figure 10 is cross-sectional view X-X in Figure 8 of 25 surface 112 and the guide lip. The guide lip is thereby the eccentric element mounted upon the footplate; matched to suit the blade which made the first cut. Figure 11 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure [0021] There are at least two anti-slip strips 43 on the 10 without the eccentric element; underside of the guide. Each anti- slip strip has the same Figure 12 is a perspective view of the plunge saw thickness as the guide lip 38 so that the guide is evenly upon a second different guide; and 30 supported when upon a workpiece 42. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view VII-VII in Figure [0022] The region where guide lip, blade and work- 8 with an alternative adjustment mechanism. piece meet is shown in detail in Figure 4. Downward pressure caused by the weight of the plunge saw and the [0016] Referring to Figure 1 to 4, a hand-held tool in guide is applied through the anti- slip strips and the guide the form of a plunge saw 10 is designed to slide along a 35 lip upon the workpiece to hold the guide in place. The guide 11. The plunge saw comprises a motorised circular downward pressure at the guide lip provides downward saw blade 12 and a blade guard 14. The blade and blade support adjacent the blade which counteracts any ten- guard are both normally substantially perpendicular to a dency of the upward sweep of the rotating blade to splin- footplate 16, but may be adjusted to be inclined to the ter the upper surface of the workpiece in the region of footplate for the purpose of bevel cutting. The plunge40 the arrow B. This leads to a much cleaner cut in the work- saw’s body 18 is pitotable in a plane perpendicular to the piece. The downward pressure can be increased, if nec- footplate about a hinge 20 attached to the footplate. The essary, by clamping the guide to the workpiece. blade can be moved between an upper "parked position" [0023] Whenever the blade 12 is replaced the guide 12a inside the blade guard, and a lower "plunged posi- lip 38 should, preferably, be renewed and matched to the tion" 12b protruding below the footplate. The blade has 45 replacement blade to ensure that a clean cut is main- an axis 21 about which it rotates when turned by the atined. Spare guide lips can be easily fixed to the under- motor. In use, the blade rotates in the direction of arrow side of the guide by adhesive. W. Viewed from one end, as is best shown in Figure 1, [0024] A second guide lip 44, also made of trimmable the axis 21 follows an arc-shaped path BP as the blade material, like, for example, hard rubber, is located on the moves between parked and plunged position. 50 opposite long side face 45 of the guide. The second guide [0017] The blade is biased into the parked position by lip has the same thickness as the guide lip 38 and the a spring 22. In use, a user can push the plunge saw down- rubber strips 43. wardly, via a pair of handles 24, 26, against the spring [0025] The rail 34 is located in the central longitudinal so that the blade descends towards the plunged position plane 46 of the guide. The middle channel 36 is arranged 12b. The exact depth of the plunged position is deter- 55 so that when the plunge saw is rotated about 180° the mined by setting a depth-stop (not shown). When the blade overhangs the opposite long side face 45 by ap- user releases the handles the blade springs back to the proximately the same distance X to perform cutting action parked position 12a. on that opposite side. The second guide lip is oversized

3 5 EP 2 018 936 B1 6 to be wider than the distance X. The blade’s first cut sev- nel 36 and the opposite side wall 50 of the rail 34 slides ers an outer margin of the second guide lip and what against the eccentric elements 58, 60. remains is thereby matched to the blade. [0034] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the middle channel [0026] When the blade is replaced, but a spare guide 36 has another inward facing side wall 64, opposite the lip is not available, or there is no time to renew it, the 5 fixed side wall 56, which is interrupted by the eccentric second guide lip can be used as a back- up resource. The elements 58, 60. Since the footplate 11 is guided only at plunge saw, or guide, is simply rotated through 180°. the first parts 52a, 54a of the dual-restrictions, the dis- [0027] Alternatively, both guide lips can be deliberately tance between the fixed side wall 56 and the interrupted matched to suit a particular blade so that both sides of a side wall 64 is no longer significant, except that this dis- workpiece can be cut simply by rotating the plunge saw 10 tance must be greater, at least by a small amount, than through 180°, rather than the rotating both the plunge the width of the rail 34. saw and guide. This is an advantage when the guide is [0035] Since the widths of the first parts 52a, 54a of particularly long and cumbersome, like, for example, the dual-restrictions may be adjusted in the transverse when several guides are coupled together. direction 62, the clearance between guide 11 and the [0028] Periodically, the work environment dictates that 15 footplate 16 may be adjusted so that the footplate is guid- an unsupported portion of a workpiece be cut. Whilst the ed without wobbling, as it were, in an exactly linear man- guide 11 is relatively strong it does, when unsupported, nerin the longitudinal direction. As such, it is also possible bow downwards under a bending moment caused by the to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the parts weight of the plunge saw 10 resting thereupon. For ex- of the footplate. ample, when the user approaches the final stage of a cut 20 [0036] When the footplate 16 is positioned on the guide the plunge saw rests upon an unsupported portion of the 11, the widths of the first parts 52a, 54a of dual-restric- guide as it passes beyond the end of the workpiece. tions may be slightly greater than necessary. The eccen- [0029] Referring in particular to Figure 3, the guide 11 tric elements 58, 60 are then rotated, as described in is substantially symmetrical when viewed from one end more detail below, so that the rail 34 is located within the because the central longitudinal plane 46 bi-sects the 25 middle channel 36 without clearance. central rail 34 of the otherwise planar guide i.e. distance [0037] Note that, in principle, it would be sufficient to D1 = distance D2. The guide tends to bow uniformly when provide an adjustable dual-restriction at only one point unsupported with the plunge saw rested thereupon. The along the channel, which would probably have to be lo- blade maintains its inclination with respect to the work- cated in the central region of the footplate. More than two piece. Thus, provided that the distance bowed downward 30 such adjustable dual-restrictions may also be provided. is not significant, an accurate cut can be finished without However, two adjustable dual-restrictions, one located need to stop work and alter the guide’s support system. at each longitudinal end of the footplate’s channel, is par- [0030] Referring to Figure 5, the rail 34 has two out- ticularly expedient. ward facing sides 48, 50 which stand parallel to the lon- [0038] Referring to Figure 9, each eccentric element gitudinal plane 46. 35 58, 60 is coupled with a respective guide wheel 66, 67. [0031] Referring to Figure 6, the middle channel 36 Each eccentric element 58, 60 is also disposed on the includes the first parts 52a, 54a of two adjustable dual- footplate 16 so that it may rotate about its own axis of restrictions. The two dual-restrictions are spaced apart rotation 68, 69. Both axes of rotation are perpendicular in the longitudinal direction. to the plane of the footplate. Each eccentric element has [0032] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first part of 40 a cylindrical circumferential surface 70, 71 which is ec- dual-restriction 52a is defined, on the one hand, by an centric to its respective axis of rotation 68, 69. Rotation inward facing fixed side wall 56 in the middle channel 36 of a guide wheel by the plunge saw’s user results in ro- and, on the other hand, by an eccentric element 58. The tation of a respective eccentric element. eccentric element may be rotated so that the width of the [0039] As is shown in Figure 8, rotation of the eccentric first part of dual-restriction 52a, measured in a direction 45 element 58 results in its circumferential surface 70 se- 62 transverse to the longitudinal plane 46, is adjusted. lectively protruding, to a greater or lesser extent, through The first part of other dual-restriction 54a is also defined the interrupted side wall 64 and towards the fixed side by a corresponding fixed side wall 56 and an identical wall 56. Accordingly, the width of the first part 52a of the eccentric element 60. The eccentric element 60 may also dual-restriction, measured in the transverse direction 62, be rotated so that the width of the first part of other dual- 50 is adjustable by rotation of the eccentric element 58. restriction 54a, measured in transverse direction 62, is [0040] In order to improve grip of the guide wheels 66, adjusted. The eccentric elements 58, 60 perform the role 67, which are to be grasped manually, they may be pro- of the ’adjustment mechanism’ mentioned in the pream- vided on their outer circumference with a ribbing, or the ble of this specification. like. Each eccentric element 58, 60 may be integral with [0033] When the footplate 16 is positioned on the guide 55 a respective guide wheel. 11 the rail 34 passes through the first parts 52a, 54a of [0041] Figures 10 and 11 show how the eccentric el- the dual-restrictions. In this way, the side wall 48 of the ement 58 is secured to a bearing portion 74 of the foot- rail 34 slides against the fixed face 56 in the middle chan- plate 16 by a fixing bolt 76 passing through the middle

4 7 EP 2 018 936 B1 8 of the eccentric element. The bearing portion has a of the dual- restrictions may be adjusted in the transverse threaded hole 78 into which the threaded fixing bolt 76 direction 62, the clearance between guide 82 and the is screwed. The hole, the fixing bolt and the axis of rota- footplate 16 may be adjusted so that the footplate is again tion 68 of the eccentric element are co- centric. To enable guided without wobbling, as it were, in an exactly linear rotation of the eccentric element, the user unfastens the 5 manner. fixing bolt. When the eccentric element has been rotated [0048] When the footplate 16 is positioned on the guide to the extent necessary to adjust the width of the first 52a 82, the widths of the second parts 52b, 54b of the dual- or second 52b parts of the dual-restriction, the user re- restrictions may be slightly greater than necessary. The fastens the fixing bolt to immobilize the eccentric element eccentric elements 58, 60 are then adjusted, as has al- against further rotation. The eccentric element 60 is se- 10 ready been described in detail above, so that the rail 80 cured to a corresponding bearing portion 74 of the foot- is located within the side channel 79 without clearance. plate in exactly the same way as eccentric element 58. [0049] The eccentric elements 58, 60 are the same as [0042] Referring to Figures 8 and 12, the footplate 16 described above and, upon rotation, the cylindrical cir- also has a side channel 79 for engagement with a rail 80 cumferential surface 70, 71 of the eccentric element se- of an alternative guide 82. Features of the alternative 15 lectively protrudes, to a greater or lesser extent, through guide common with the guide 11 are numbered the same. the interrupted side wall 90 and towards the fixed side However, the alternative guide is not symmetrical when wall 88, due to the eccentricity of the of the circumferential viewed from one end because the rail is located on one surface. Accordingly, the width of the second parts 52b, side of the longitudinal central plane 46. The guide 82 is 54b of the dual-restrictions, measured in the transverse stiffer in on the side of the rail 80 and so it tends to bow 20 direction 62, is also adjustable by rotation of the eccentric in a skewed manner when unsupported. In these circum- elements 58, 60. stances, the plunge saw and the blade will tilt to one side [0050] Referring to Figure 13, an alternative to the ec- when the plunge saw is upon unsupported guide. The centric elements 58, 60 is shown in the form of an ad- user must stop work and alter the support system of the justment mechanism 92. Like the eccentric elements 58, guide to maintain an accurate cut. 25 60, there is an adjustment mechanism located at each [0043] In order to ensure a linear cut in the workpiece, end of the footplate and both between the middle 36 and the plunge saw 10 is positioned onto the guide 82 which the side 79 channels. Only one alternative adjustment is placed upon the workpiece, rather than the plunge saw mechanism 92 is shown, but they both work in funda- being placed directly onto the workpiece. The rail 80 has mentally the same way. two outward facing side walls 84, 86 which stand parallel 30 [0051] The alternative adjustment mechanisms each to the longitudinal plane 46. comprise two pivot arms 96, 98 each arranged at one [0044] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the side channel end to pivot about a common pivot 100 located in the 79 includes the second parts 52b, 54b of the two adjust- footplate 16 so that an open mouth may be formed at the able dual-restrictions. Each second part of the dual-re- other ends of the arms. The arms are biased to pivot strictions is defined, on the one hand, by a fixed side wall 35 towards each other by a pair of helical springs 102. The 88 in the side channel 79 and, on the other hand, by the helical springs can be substituted by anything capable same eccentric element 58, 60 as is used to adjust the of being located within the confines of the footplate, like, first parts 52a, 54a of the dual-restrictions of the middle for example, a leaf spring or a rubber bush. channel 36. Each eccentric element 58, 60 is rotatable [0052] Each adjustment mechanism further comprises through 360° to enable adjustment, measured in the40 a wedge 104 slideable along a straight track (not shown) transverse direction 62, of the width of the second parts in the footplate 16 which is parallel to the longitudinal 52b, 54b of the dual-restrictions. plane 46. The wedge is controlled by a grub-screw 106 [0045] When the footplate 16 is positioned onto the disposed in an adjacent end face of the footplate. The guide 82 the rail 80 passes through the second parts 52b, grub-screw cooperates with a threaded hole in 108 in the 54b of the dual-restrictions. In this way, the side 84 of 45 footplate. The track is aligned with the grub-screw and the rail 80 slides against the fixed side wall 88 of the side is directed towards the common pivot. The track ensures channel 60 and the opposite side 86 of the rail 80 slides that the wedge is moveable back and forth between the against the eccentric elements 58, 60. arms but not laterally towards either of the central 36 and [0046] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the side channel the side 79 channels. One endof the grub- screw engages 79 has another inward facing side wall 90, opposite the 50 a major end face 110 of the wedge. A minor end face fixed side wall 88, which is interrupted by the eccentric 112 of the wedge is always disposed in the mouth be- elements 58, 60. Since the footplate 82 is guided only at tween the arms. the second parts 52b, 54b of the adjustable dual- restric- [0053] Each arm 96, 98 has a shoulder 114, 116 which tions, the distance between the fixed side wall 88 and can be made to protrude through the interrupted side the interrupted side wall 90 is also not significant, except 55 faces 64, 90 of the central 36 and the side 79 channels, that this distance must be greater, at least by a small respectively. When the grub- screw is driven by a screw- amount, than the width of the rail 80. driver into the footplate the wedge forces the arms to [0047] Since the widths of the second parts 52b, 54b pivot away from each other and against the bias of the

5 9 EP 2 018 936 B1 10 springs. The shoulders thus protrude into the central 36 5. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed and side 79 channels the extent necessary to select the in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the adjustment optimum width, measured in the transverse direction 62, mechanism comprises a manually accessible actu- of the first part 52a and the second part 52b of the dual- ating member (66, 67) for rotating the eccentric ele- restriction. 5 ment (58, 60). [0054] If clearance needs to be increased the grub- screw is driven out of the footplate to the extent neces- 6. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed sary. The bias of the springs forces the wedge to follow in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the eccentric the grub-screw so that the arms pivot towards each other element (58, 60) can be rotated about 360°. and the shoulders retract through the interrupted side 10 faces 64, 90 of the central 36 and the side 79 channels, 7. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed respectively. in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism com- [0055] Re-adjustment to increase or decrease play prises two arms (96, 98), each arm arranged at one may be performed whenever necessary. end to pivot about a common pivot point (100) so 15 that an open mouth may be formed at the other ends of the arms, and a wedge (104) arranged to move Claims within the mouth according to the position of a control device (106), whereby movement of the wedge into 1. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) for guiding the mouth forces the arms to pivot apart to reduce the tool along a guide (11, 82), the footplate com- 20 the width between the fixed side walls (56, 88) and prising a pair of channels (36, 79) each spanning the the adjustable side walls (114, 116), and whereby lower surface of the footplate (16) in a longitudinal movement of the wedge away from the mouth allows direction (46). Wherein the first channel (36) is for the arms to pivot closer to each other to increase the engaging a rail (34) extending in a longitudinal direc- width between the fixed side walls and the adjustable tion of a first guide (11) on the upper surface of said 25 side walls. first guide and the second channel (79) is for engaging a rail (80) extending in a longitudinal direction of 8. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed a second different guide (82) on the upper surface in claim 7, wherein each arm (96, 98) has a shoulder of said second guide, characterised in that the first (114, 116) and one shoulder protrudes away from channel (36) and the second channel (79) each has 30 the other shoulder in the transverse direction (62), a fixed side wall (56, 88) arranged opposite to a re- whereby one shoulder is the adjustable side wall spective adjustable side wall (70, 71, 114, 116), (114) of the first channel (36) and the other shoulder wherein the width between each adjustable side wall is the adjustable side wall (116) of the second chan- and its respective opposite fixed side wall, measured nel (79). in a direction transverse (62) to the longitudinal di- 35 rection, is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism 9. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed (58, 60, 96, 98) located between the first and second in either one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the control channels (36, 79). device is a grub-screw (106) threadedly engaged with an externally accessible hole (108) in the foot- 2. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed 40 plate, whereby rotation of the grub-screw into the in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism com- footplate moves the wedge (104) into the mouth and prises a rotatable eccentric element (58) wherein the whereby rotation of the grub-screw out of the foot- adjustable side walls are opposing sides of a perim- plate allows the wedge to move out of the mouth. eter wall (70, 71) of the eccentric element. 45 10. A footplate for a hand-held tool as claimed in any 3. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each arm is biased to in claim 2, wherein the perimeter wall is a cylindrical pivot towards the other arm. wall arranged eccentrically in relation to the axis of rotation (68, 69) of the eccentric element. 11. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed 50 in any one of the previous claims, wherein the first 4. A footplate (16) for a hand- held tool (10) as claimed channel is a middle channel (36) and wherein the in either one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the eccentric second channel is a side channel (79). element is secured to the footplate by a fixing bolt (76) connected to a bearing portion (74) of the foot- 12. A footplate (16) for a power tool (10) as claimed in plate (16), wherein the fixing bolt can be unfastened 55 any one of the previous claims, wherein the fixed or fastened to enable or disable rotation of the ec- side walls (56, 88) and the adjustable side walls (70, centric element, respectively. 114, 116) of the first and second channels (36, 79) and the adjustment mechanism (58, 96, 98) are

6 11 EP 2 018 936 B1 12

spaced apart in the longitudinal direction from dupli- nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei der Ein- cate fixed side walls (56, 88) and adjustable side stellmechanismus ein von Hand greifbares Betäti- walls (71, 114, 116) of the first and second channels gungselement (66, 67) zum Drehen des exzentri- (36, 79) and a duplicate adjustment mechanism (60, schen Elements (58, 60) aufweist. 96, 98). 5 6. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 5, wobei das ex- Patentansprüche zentrische Element (58, 60) um 360° gedreht werden kann. 1. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) 10 zum Führen des Werkzeugs entlang einer Führung 7. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) (11, 82), wobei die Fußplatte ein Paar von Kanälen nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Einstellmechanismus (36, 79) aufweist, wobei sich jeder über die untere zwei Arme (96, 98) aufweist, wobei jeder Arm an Oberfläche der Fußplatte (16) in einer Längsrichtung einem Ende aufgebaut ist, um um einen gemeinsa- (46) erstreckt, wobei der erste Kanal (36) für einen 15 men Schwenkpunkt (100) zu schwenken, so dass Eingriff einer Schiene (34) vorgesehen ist, die sich ein offenes Maul an den anderen Enden der Arme in einer Längsrichtung einer ersten Führung (11) auf gebildet werden kann, und wobei ein Keil (104) an- der oberen Oberfläche der ersten Führung erstreckt, geordnet ist, sich in das Maul in Abhängigkeit von und wobei der zweite Kanal (79) für einen Eingriff der Stellung einer Steuerungseinrichtung (106) zu einer Schiene (80) vorgesehen ist, die sich in einer 20 bewegen, wobei eine Bewegung des Keils in das Längsrichtung einer zweiten unterschiedlichen Füh- Maul die Arme zwingt, auseinander zu schwenken, rung (82) auf der oberen Oberfläche der zweiten um die Breite zwischen den festen Seitenwänden Führung erstreckt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass (56, 88) und den einstellbaren Seitenwänden (114, der erste Kanal (36) undder zweite Kanal (79)jeweils 116) zu verringern, und wobei eine Bewegung des eine feste Seitenwand (56, 88) aufweisen, die ge- 25 Keils weg von dem Maul den Armen ermöglicht, en- genüberliegend zu einer entsprechenden einstellba- ger aneinander heran zu schwenken, um die Breite ren Seitenwand (70, 71, 114, 116) angeordnet ist, zwischen den festen Seitenwänden und den einstell- wobei die Breite zwischen der jeweiligen einstellba- baren Seitenwänden zu vergrößern. ren Seitenwand und ihrer entsprechenden gegen- überliegenden festen Seitenwand, gemessen in ei- 30 8. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) ner Richtung quer (62) zu der Längsrichtung, durch nach Anspruch 7, wobei jeder Arm (96, 98) eine einen Einstellmechanismus (58, 60, 96, 98), der zwi- Schulter (114, 116) aufweist und wobei eine Schulter schen dem ersten und dem zweiten Kanal (36, 79) weg von der anderen Schulter in der Querrichtung angeordnet ist, einstellbar ist. (62) vorsteht, wobei eine Schulter die einstellbare 35 Seitenwand (114) des ersten Kanals (36) und die 2. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) andere Schulter die einstellbare Seitenwand (116) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Einstellmechanismus des zweiten Kanals (79) ist. ein drehbares exzentrisches Element (58) aufweist, wobei die einstellbaren Seitenwände gegenüberlie- 9. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) gende Seiten einer Umfangswand (70, 71) des ex- 40 nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, wobei die Steuerungsein- zentrischen Elements sind. richtung ein Gewindestift (106) ist, der in Gewinde- eingriff mit einer von außen zugänglichen Bohrung 3. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) (108) in der Fußplatte ist, wobei eine Drehung des nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Umfangswand eine zy- Gewindestifts in die Fußplatte den Keil (104) in das lindrische Wand ist, die exzentrisch in Bezug auf die 45 Maul bewegt und wobei eine Drehung des Gewin- Drehachse (68, 69) des exzentrischen Elements an- destifts aus der Fußplatte dem Keil ermöglicht, sich geordnet ist. aus dem Maul heraus zu bewegen.

4. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) 10. Fußplatte für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug nach ei- nach einem der Ansprüche 2 oder 3, wobei das ex- 50 nem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, wobei jeder Arm vorge- zentrische Element an der Fußplatte mit einem Fi- spannt ist, um zu dem anderen Arm zu schwenken. xierbolzen (76) an einem Lagerabschnitt (74) der Fußplatte (16) befestigt ist, wobei der Fixierbolzen 11. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) gelöst oder angezogen werden kann, um eine Dre- nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei hung des exzentrischen Elements zu ermöglichen 55 der erste Kanal ein mittlerer Kanal (36) ist und wobei bzw. zu verhindern. der zweite Kanal ein Seitenkanal (79) ist.

5. Fußplatte (16) für ein handgeführtes Werkzeug (10) 12. Fußplatte (16) für ein angetriebenes Werkzeug (10)

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nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei 5. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon l’une die festen Seitenwände (56, 88) und die einstellba- quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, dans laquelle ren Seitenwände (70, 114, 116) des ersten und zwei- le mécanisme de réglage comprend un élément ten Kanals (36, 79) und der Einstellmechanismus d’actionnement (66, 67) accessible de manière ma- (56, 96, 98) beabstandet in der Längsrichtung von 5 nuelle destiné à faire tourner l’élément excentrique zweiten festen Seitenwänden (56, 88) und einstell- (58, 60). baren Seitenwänden (71, 114, 116) der ersten und zweiten Kanäle (36, 79) und einem zweiten Einstell- 6. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon l’une mechanismus (60, 96, 98) angeordnet sind. quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, dans laquelle 10 l’élément excentrique (58, 60) peut tourner sur 360°.

Revendications 7. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le mécanisme de ré- 1. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) destinée glage comprend deux bras (96, 98), chaque bras à guider l’outil le long d’un guide (11, 82), la plaque 15 étant disposé au niveau d’une extrémité de manière de base comprenant une paire de canaux (36, 79), à pivoter autour d’un point de pivot commun (100) chacun d’eux enjambant la surface inférieure de la de telle sorte qu’une bouche ouverte puisse être for- plaque de base (16) dans une direction longitudinale mée au niveau des autres extrémités des bras, et (46), dans laquelle le premier canal (36) est destiné un coin (104) agencé de façon à se déplacer à l’in- à venir en prise avec un rail (34) qui s’étend dans 20 térieur de la bouche selon la position d’un dispositif une direction longitudinale d’un premier guide (11) de commande (106), grâce à quoi un déplacement sur la surface supérieure dudit premier guide et le du coin dans la bouche force les bras à pivoter en deuxième canal (79) est destiné à venir en prise avec s’écartant de façon à réduire la largeur entre les pa- un rail (80) qui s’étend dans une direction longitudi- rois latérales fixes (56, 88) et les parois latérales naled’un deuxième guide (82) différent surla surface 25 réglables (114, 116), et grâce à quoi le déplacement supérieure dudit deuxième guide, caractérisée en du coin en allant en s’éloignant de la bouche permet ce que le premier canal (36) et le deuxième canal aux bras de pivoter en se rapprochant l’un de l’autre (79) présentent chacun une paroi latérale fixe (56, de façon à augmenter la largeur entre les parois la- 88) disposée à l’opposé d’une paroi latérale réglable térales fixes et les parois latérales réglables. respective (70, 71, 114,116), dans laquelle la largeur 30 entre chaque paroi latérale réglable et sa paroi laté- 8. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la rale fixe opposée respective, mesurée dans une di- revendication 7, dans laquelle chaque bras (96, 98) rection transversale (62) à la direction longitudinale, présente un épaulement (114, 116) et un épaule- est réglable au moyen d’un mécanisme de réglage ment fait saillie en allant en s’éloignant de l’autre (58, 60, 96, 98) situé entre les premier et deuxième 35 épaulement dans la direction transversale (62), grâ- canaux (36, 79). ce à quoi un épaulement est la paroi latérale réglable (114) du premier canal (36) et l’autre épaulement est 2. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la la paroi latérale réglable (116) du deuxième canal revendication 1, dans laquelle le mécanisme de ré- (79). glage comprend un élément excentrique rotatif (58), 40 dans lequel les parois latérales réglables sont des 9. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la côtés opposés d’une paroi de périmètre (70,71) de revendication 7 ou la revendication 8, dans laquelle l’élément excentrique. le dispositif de commande est une vis sans tête (106) mise en prise par filetage dans un trou (108) acces- 3. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la 45 sible de l’extérieur dans la plaque de base, grâce à revendication 2, dans laquelle la paroi de périmètre quoi la rotation de la vis sans tête dans la plaque de est une paroi cylindrique disposée de manière ex- base déplace le coin (104) dans la bouche et grâce centrique par rapport à l’axe de rotation (68, 69) de à quoi la rotation de la vis sans tête hors de la plaque l’élément excentrique. de base permet au coin de se déplacer hors de la 50 bouche. 4. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, dans laquelle 10. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon l’une l’élément excentrique est fixé sur la plaque de base quelconque des revendications 7 à 9, dans laquelle par un boulon de fixation (76) relié à une partie de chaque bras est sollicité de manière à pivoter vers palier (74) de la plaque de base (16), dans laquelle 55 l’autre bras. le boulon de fixation peut être desserré ou serré de manière à permettre ou à interdire la rotation de l’élé- 11. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon l’une ment excentrique, respectivement. quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans

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laquelle le premier canal est un canal médian (36) et dans laquelle le deuxième canal est un canal la- téral (79).

12. Plaque de base (16) d’un outil à main (10) selon l’une 5 quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les paroislatérales fixes (56,88) et lesparois latérales réglables (70, 114, 116) des premier et deuxième canaux (36, 79) et le mécanisme de ré- glage (58, 96, 98) sont espacés dans la direction 10 longitudinale à partir de parois latérales fixes (56, 88) et de parois latérales réglables (71, 114, 116) doubles des premier et deuxième canaux (36, 79) et d’un mécanisme de réglage (60, 96, 98) double. 15

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• DE 20017862 U1 [0002] • DE 3606525 [0003]