Trigger mechanism for hand-operated power device providing automatic lock-off and manual lock-on operation

Claim 2

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and an on-off switch operatively associated with the motor and normally biased off, comprising: a trigger manually movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the switch and turn on the motor, said trigger being normally biased toward its first position; and manually operable locking means movable in two distinct modes of movement, said locking means being normally biased toward a first position, cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its first position to its second position, and movable in its first mode toward a second position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its second position to actuate the switch, said locking means being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when each is in its second position to permit said locking means to be released without movement to its first position until said trigger is allowed to return to its first position, said locking means being movable in its second mode to a third position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its second position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and means biasing said locking means out of said third position to permit automatic disengagement of said locking means from said trigger.

Claim 3

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power device including a motor and a handle which supports a control operatively associAted with the motor, comprising: a trigger mounted on the handle and manually movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the control and operate the motor, said trigger being normally biased toward its first position; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted on the handle and movable in two distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being normally biased toward a first position, cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its first psition to its second position, and movable in its first orientation relative to the handle toward a second position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its second position to actuate the control, said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when each is in its second position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its first position until said trigger is allowed to return to its first position, said locking device being further movable in its second orientation relative to the handle to a third position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its second position to continuously actuate the control and operate the motor; and means biasing said locking means out of said third position to permit automatic disengagement of said locking means from said trigger.

Claim 4

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power device including a motor and a handle which supports a control operatively associAted with the motor, comprising: a trigger mounted on the handle and manually movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the control and operate the motor, said trigger being normally biased toward its first position; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted on the handle and movable in two distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being normally biased toward a first position, cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its first psition to its second position, and movable in its first orientation relative to the handle toward a second position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its second position to actuate the control, said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when each is in its second position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its first position until said trigger is allowed to return to its first position, said locking device being further movable in its second orientation relative to the handle to a third position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its second position to continuously actuate the control and operate the motor; and means biasing said locking means out of said third position to permit automatic disengagement of said locking means from said trigger.

Claim 5

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports an on-off switch operatively associated with the motor and normally biased off, a trigger mechanism for operating the on-off switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch and turn on the motor; integral spring means on said trigger for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted on the handle for movement in first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable between a lock-off position and an unlock position in its first orientation and between its unlock position and a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to actuate the switch to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position.

Claim 6

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports an on-off switch operatively associated with the motor and normally biased off, a trigger mechanism for operating the on-off switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch and turn on the motor; integral spring means on said trigger for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted on the handle for movement in first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable between a lock-off position and an unlock position in its first orientation and between its unlock position and a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to actuate the switch to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position.

Claim 7

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger being normally bIased toward its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted within the handle for movement in first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device including first and second arms extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking device being normally biased into a lock-off position wherein said trigger first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking device being movable in its first orientation from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said locking device being further movable in its second orientation between its unlock position and a lock-on position therein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said finger engageable body to lock said trigger in its inoperative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 8

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger being normally bIased toward its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted within the handle for movement in first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device including first and second arms extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking device being normally biased into a lock-off position wherein said trigger first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking device being movable in its first orientation from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said locking device being further movable in its second orientation between its unlock position and a lock-on position therein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said finger engageable body to lock said trigger in its inoperative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 9

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable body extending downward through a first opening provided in the handle, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger being normally biased downward toward an inoperative position and movable upward to an operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted within the handle above said trigger for longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the handle, said locking device including first and second arms extending downward toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking device being normally biased toward a lock-off position wherein said first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent upward movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking device being longitudinally movable in a first orientation relative to the handle from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said locking device including a rib cooperatively engageable with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body when said locking device is in its first orientation to limit upward movement of said trigger and locate its lockon member in the path of movement of said second arm to limit longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said locking device being shiftable laterally into a second orientation relative to the handle to move said rib out of registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to permit further upward movement of said trigger, said lock-on member being located out of the path of movement of said second arm upon further upward movement of said trigger to permit further longitudinal movement of said locking device, said locking device being movable in its second orientation to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 10

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable body extending downward through a first opening provided in the handle, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger being normally biased downward toward an inoperative position and movable upward to an operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor; and a manually operable locking device slidably mounted within the handle above said trigger for longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the handle, said locking device including first and second arms extending downward toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking device being normally biased toward a lock-off position wherein said first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent upward movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking device being longitudinally movable in a first orientation relative to the handle from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch and operate the motor, said locking device including a rib cooperatively engageable with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body when said locking device is in its first orientation to limit upward movement of said trigger and locate its lockon member in the path of movement of said second arm to limit longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said locking device being shiftable laterally into a second orientation relative to the handle to move said rib out of registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to permit further upward movement of said trigger, said lock-on member being located out of the path of movement of said second arm upon further upward movement of said trigger to permit further longitudinal movement of said locking device, said locking device being movable in its second orientation to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 11

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling operation of the motor, comprising: a switch mounted within the hollow handle anD operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator for controlling its on-off operation; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch actuator upon movement to its operative position to actuate said switch and operate the motor; integral spring means on said trigger for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and from its unlock position to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate said switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to retun to its inoperative position.

Claim 12

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling operation of the motor, comprising: a switch mounted within the hollow handle anD operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator for controlling its on-off operation; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch actuator upon movement to its operative position to actuate said switch and operate the motor; integral spring means on said trigger for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and from its unlock position to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate said switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to retun to its inoperative position.

Claim 13

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor, comprising: an on-off switch mounted within the hollow handle and operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator normally biased to an off position and movable to an on position to operate the motor; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch upon movement to its operative position to move said switch actuator to its on position and operate the motor; integral spring means on said trigger engaging the handle to normally bias said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted in a track provided within the handle for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said tRigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously hold said switch in its on position and operate the motor; means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position; an obstruction projecting laterally from the interior of the handle into the path of movement of said locking device for engaging one of its arms upon movement of said locking device to its unlock position to prevent further longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said arm being released from said obstruction upon lateral movement of said locking device from its unlock position into its second orientation to permit said locking device to be moved to its lock-on position; and a cam surface projecting laterally from the interior of the handle on the opposite side of said locking device from said obstruction for engaging said locking device upon release of said trigger to drive said locking device laterally from its second orientation to its first orientation during return movement of said locking device from its unlock position to its lock-off position.

Claim 14

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor, comprising: an on-off switch mounted within the hollow handle and operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator normally biased to an off position and movable to an on position to operate the motor; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch upon movement to its operative position to move said switch actuator to its on position and operate the motor; integral spring means on said trigger engaging the handle to normally bias said trigger toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted in a track provided within the handle for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said tRigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movable from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control on-off operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously hold said switch in its on position and operate the motor; means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position; an obstruction projecting laterally from the interior of the handle into the path of movement of said locking device for engaging one of its arms upon movement of said locking device to its unlock position to prevent further longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said arm being released from said obstruction upon lateral movement of said locking device from its unlock position into its second orientation to permit said locking device to be moved to its lock-on position; and a cam surface projecting laterally from the interior of the handle on the opposite side of said locking device from said obstruction for engaging said locking device upon release of said trigger to drive said locking device laterally from its second orientation to its first orientation during return movement of said locking device from its unlock position to its lock-off position.

Claim 15

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor, comprising: an on-off switch mounted within the hollow handle and operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator normally biased to an off position and movable to an on position to operate the motor; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger including a pair of spaced, parallel arms extending backward from said finger engageable portion on opposite sides of said switch and pivotally connected to the interior of the handle, said finger engageable portion of said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch actuator upon movement to its operative position to move said switch actuator ot its on position and operate the motor, said trigger including an integral leaf spring projecting backward from said arms for engaging the interior of the handle to normally bias said finger engageable portion toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted in a track provided within the handle for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movabLe from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously hold said switch actuator in its on position and operate the motor; means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position; an obstruction projecting laterally from the interior of the handle into the path of movement of said locking device for engaging one of its arms upon movement of said locking device to its unlock position to prevent further longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said arm being released from said obstruction upon lateral movement of said locking device from its unlock position into its second orientation to permit said locking device to be moved to its lock-on position; and a cam surface projecting laterally from the interior of the handle oon the opposite side of said locking device from said obstruction for engaging said locking device upon release of said trigger to drive said locking device laterally from its second orientation to its first orientation during return movement of said locking device from its unlock position to its lock-off position.

Claim 16

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow, elongated handle which enables an operator to grip the power tool, a trigger mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor, comprising: an on-off switch mounted within the hollow handle and operatively associated with the motor, said switch including an actuator normally biased to an off position and movable to an on position to operate the motor; a manually operable trigger mounted within the handle and including a finger engageable portion projecting through a first opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator, said trigger including a pair of spaced, parallel arms extending backward from said finger engageable portion on opposite sides of said switch and pivotally connected to the interior of the handle, said finger engageable portion of said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position and engageable with said switch actuator upon movement to its operative position to move said switch actuator ot its on position and operate the motor, said trigger including an integral leaf spring projecting backward from said arms for engaging the interior of the handle to normally bias said finger engageable portion toward its inoperative position; a manually operable locking device slidably mounted in a track provided within the handle for longitudinal movement relative to the handle, said locking device being shiftable laterally between first and second distinct orientations relative to the handle, said locking device being movable from a lock-off position to an unlock position in its first orientation and to a lock-on position in its second orientation, said locking device including a manually engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle to be engaged by the operator and first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said first arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is in its lock-off position to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said trigger being manually movabLe from its inoperative position to its operative position when said locking device is moved to its unlock position to operate said switch actuator to control operation of the motor, said second arm being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said locking device is moved to its lock-on position to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously hold said switch actuator in its on position and operate the motor; means for normally biasing said locking device toward its lock-off position, said first arm of said locking device being cooperatively engageable with said trigger when said trigger is moved to its operative position and said locking device is moved to its unlock position to permit said locking device to be released without movement back to its lock-off position until said trigger is allowed to return to its inoperative position; an obstruction projecting laterally from the interior of the handle into the path of movement of said locking device for engaging one of its arms upon movement of said locking device to its unlock position to prevent further longitudinal movement of said locking device in its first orientation, said arm being released from said obstruction upon lateral movement of said locking device from its unlock position into its second orientation to permit said locking device to be moved to its lock-on position; and a cam surface projecting laterally from the interior of the handle oon the opposite side of said locking device from said obstruction for engaging said locking device upon release of said trigger to drive said locking device laterally from its second orientation to its first orientation during return movement of said locking device from its unlock position to its lock-off position.

Claim 17

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power device including a motor and a handle which supports a control operatively associated with the motor, comprising: a trigger mounted on the handle and manually movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the control and operate the motor, said trigger being normally biased toward its first position; and a pivotal locking device mounted on the handle and normally biased toward a lock-off position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its first position to its second position, said locking device being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its second position to actuate the control, said locking device being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its second position to continuously actuate the control and operate the motor, said second direction extending at an angle to said first direction.

Claim 18

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power device including a motor and a handle which supports a control operatively associated with the motor, comprising: a trigger mounted on the handle and manually movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the control and operate the motor, said trigger being normally biased toward its first position; and a pivotal locking device mounted on the handle and normally biased toward a lock-off position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its first position to its second position, said locking device being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its second position to actuate the control, said locking device being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its second position to continuously actuate the control and operate the motor, said second direction extending at an angle to said first direction.

Claim 19

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operatqve position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor; means for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a pivotal locking member on the handle including first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said locking member being pivotable in a first direction from a lock-off position, wherein said first arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, to an unlock position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking member toward its lock-off position.

Claim 20

A trigger mechanism for a hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operatqve position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor; means for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a pivotal locking member on the handle including first and second arms for engaging said trigger, said locking member being pivotable in a first direction from a lock-off position, wherein said first arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, to an unlock position wherein said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and means for normally biasing said locking member toward its lock-off position.

Claim 21

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports a switch operatively associated wth the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor; means for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a pivotal locking member on the handle including an arm for engaging said trigger, said locking member being pivotable in a first direction from a lock-off position, wherein said arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, to an unlock position wherein said arm is out of the path of movement of said trigger and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein said arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said second direction extending at an angle to said first direction; and means for normally biasing said locking member toward its lock-off position.

Claim 22

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a handle which supports a switch operatively associated wth the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted on the handle and movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor; means for normally biasing said trigger toward its inoperative position; a pivotal locking member on the handle including an arm for engaging said trigger, said locking member being pivotable in a first direction from a lock-off position, wherein said arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, to an unlock position wherein said arm is out of the path of movement of said trigger and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein said arm is cooperatively engageable with said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said second direction extending at an angle to said first direction; and means for normally biasing said locking member toward its lock-off position.

Claim 23

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and first and second arms extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever further including integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein said first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 24

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and first and second arms extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever further including integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein said first arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said first arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to a lock-on position wherein said second arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor.

Claim 25

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperativE position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and an arm extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said arm including a laterally projecting finger, said locking lever furthe including first, integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein its finger is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said finger is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever including second, integral spring means com comprising an integral leaf spring extending generally parallel to its arm and normally located in contact with said finger, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to a lock-on position wherein said finger is in registration with said lock-on member of said trigger and said second spring means is biased away from said finger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said second spring means exerting a bias force on said locking lever to pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said finger and said lock-on member.

Claim 26

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperativE position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and an arm extending toward said finger engageable body of said trigger, said arm including a laterally projecting finger, said locking lever furthe including first, integral spring means engaging the handle to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein its finger is in registration with said lock-off surface of said finger engageable body to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein said finger is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever including second, integral spring means com comprising an integral leaf spring extending generally parallel to its arm and normally located in contact with said finger, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to a lock-on position wherein said finger is in registration with said lock-on member of said trigger and said second spring means is biased away from said finger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said second spring means exerting a bias force on said locking lever to pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said finger and said lock-on member.

Claim 27

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said trigger including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member on its finger engageable body, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and an arm extending toward said finger engageable portion of said trigger; primary spring means on said trigger engaging said locking lever to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein its arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein its arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein its arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and secondary spring means on said trigger engaging said locking lever and rendered operative upon movement of said trigger to its operative position to bias said locking lever in the first direction and pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said arm and said lock-on member to permit said trigger to return to its inoperative position.

Claim 28

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hollow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said trigger including a lock-off surface and a lock-on member on its finger engageable body, said trigger further including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable body of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and an arm extending toward said finger engageable portion of said trigger; primary spring means on said trigger engaging said locking lever to normally bias said lever into a lock-off position wherein its arm is in registration with said lock-off surface of said trigger to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein its arm is out of registration with said lock-off surface and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking lever being pivotable in a second direction to a lock-on position wherein its arm is cooperatively engageable with said lock-on member of said trigger to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor; and secondary spring means on said trigger engaging said locking lever and rendered operative upon movement of said trigger to its operative position to bias said locking lever in the first direction and pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said arm and said lock-on member to permit said trigger to return to its inoperative position.

Claim 29

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hOllow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body of said trigger including an arm extending from its front surface, said arm including a lock-off surface, an opening adjacent to said lock-off surface, and a lock-on member adjacent to said opening, said trigger including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable portion of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and primary and secondary leaf springs extending toward said arm of said trigger, said primary spring including a hook end for engaging said lock-on member of said arm and said secondary leaf spring including a lock-off member for engaging said lock-off surface of said arm, said locking lever being normally biased to a lock-off position wherein its lock-off member is in registration withsaid lock-off surface to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein its locking member is in registration with said opening in said arm and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being received in said opening upon movement of said trigger to its operative position, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to move said hook end of said primary leaf spring into engagement with said lock-on member of said arm to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said secondary leaf spring being rendered operative upon movement of said locking lever to its lock-on position to bias said locking lever in the first direction and pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said hook end of said primary spring and said lock-on member of said trigger to permit said trigger to return to its inoperative position.

Claim 30

In a portable, hand-operated power tool including an electric motor and a hOllow handle which supports a switch operatively associated with the motor, a trigger mechanism for operating the switch, comprising: a manually operable trigger mounted within the hollow handle and including a finger engageable body extending through a first opening provided in the handle, said trigger being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position to actuate the switch to turn on the motor, said finger engageable body of said trigger including an arm extending from its front surface, said arm including a lock-off surface, an opening adjacent to said lock-off surface, and a lock-on member adjacent to said opening, said trigger including integral spring means engaging said handle to normally bias said trigger into its inoperative position; and a manually operable locking lever pivotally mounted within the handle adjacent to said finger engageable portion of said trigger, said locking lever including a finger engageable portion extending through a second opening provided in the handle and primary and secondary leaf springs extending toward said arm of said trigger, said primary spring including a hook end for engaging said lock-on member of said arm and said secondary leaf spring including a lock-off member for engaging said lock-off surface of said arm, said locking lever being normally biased to a lock-off position wherein its lock-off member is in registration withsaid lock-off surface to prevent movement of said trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position, said locking lever being pivotable in a first direction from its lock-off position to an unlock position wherein its locking member is in registration with said opening in said arm and said trigger is manually movable to its operative position to actuate the switch, said locking member being received in said opening upon movement of said trigger to its operative position, said locking member being pivotable in a second direction with said trigger in its operative position to move said hook end of said primary leaf spring into engagement with said lock-on member of said arm to lock said trigger in its operative position to continuously actuate the switch and operate the motor, said secondary leaf spring being rendered operative upon movement of said locking lever to its lock-on position to bias said locking lever in the first direction and pivot said locking lever in the first direction upon disengagement of said hook end of said primary spring and said lock-on member of said trigger to permit said trigger to return to its inoperative position.