WO2025038999A2 - Vibrating power tool and components thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibrating power tool having a beam adaptor that supports and secures different types of beams on the tool, a washer member that supports bolts securing the beam adapter on the tool, a bolt cover for preventing liquefied working material from contacting fasteners that secure the beam to the base, guide system for guiding telescoping frame members in a frame assembly and a damping system for reducing the vibration generated by a vibration mechanism on the frame assembly.

Description

VIBRATING POWER TOOL AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/533,751 filed on August 21, 2023, entitled “Beam Adaptor for a Vibrating Power Tool”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/623,972 filed on January 23, 2024, entitled “Washer for a Vibrating Power Tool”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/533,754 filed on August 21, 2023, entitled “Bolt Cover for a Vibrating Power Tool”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/533,755 filed on August 21, 2023, entitled “Guiding Member for Telescoping Handle in a Power Tool”; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/533,758 filed on August 21, 2023, entitled “Damping System for a Vibrating Power Tool”.

[0002] The present application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/520,315 filed on August 17, 2023, entitled “Battery Pack”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/520,316 filed on August 17, 2023, entitled “Battery Pack Charger”; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/520,317 filed on August 17, 2023, entitled “Battery Pack Adaptor”; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/584,755 filed on September 22, 2023, entitled “Battery Pack Interface”.

[0003] All of the above applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a vibrating power tool, such as a screed tool for leveling concrete, and components thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Current gas, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic powered vibrating tools such as screeds, are heavy, unwieldy and require power sources that are inconvenient, loud and problematic. For example, a vibrating tool that is powered by electricity through a power cord requires external electric power and a facility to plug in the power cord. When work environments do not have available electricity, the screed is nonfunctional. A screed that is powered by gasoline is heavy, loud, emits exhaust and requires the operator to handle gasoline to operate the tool. A screed that is pneumatically or hydraulically powered requires an air compressor or hydraulic pump, respectively. Additionally, in existing vibrating tools the operating component that contacts the work surface is directly mounted on the bottom of the base member. As such, the base member is shaped to accommodate a specific corresponding operating component. For example, for screed power tools, each screed tool is designed to accommodate a single type of operating component or beam. However, different types of beams, plates and blade are available. As such, there is a strong need for a cordless screed that overcomes the limitations of the above screeds and can accommodate different types of beams. Additionally, there is a need to protect and support components such as bolts that undergo vibrations during use and prevent loss of the bolts during the changing of beams. Further, there is a need to make the tool comfortable for the user by making the height of the frame easily adjustable and reducing vibrations to the frame and handles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In an embodiment, a screed is a vibrating construction tool that is used to level and smooth the surface of a liquefied working material being installed. The screed tool can level and smooth the surface of a variety of liquefied working materials to a desired surface level. In an embodiment, the liquefied working material can be liquefied concrete, molten asphalt or other materials that can be poured and hardened when dry. In an embodiment, the screed tool includes an elongated body that contacts the liquefied working material. The elongated body, such as a beam or a blade, has a straight edge that can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. The beam is drawn across the surface of the liquefied working material to distribute the material across the desired area. The distributed material is then flattened by the straight edge of the beam of the screed tool to create a surface having the desired thickness and finish.

[0007] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a vibrating power tool having a base member; a beam connected to the base member; a motor disposed on the base member, the motor having a motor output shaft; an eccentric mass rotatably disposed on the motor output shaft and configured to vibrate the beam; a housing containing a control module that controls operation of the motor; and a beam adaptor mounted on the base member and configured to secure the beam and multiple types of beams having different cross-sections to the base member.

[0008] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a beam adaptor configured for attachment to beams for a vibrating power tool having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor having a front wall having a front bore through which a fastener can secure the beam adaptor to a beam; a rear wall having a rear bore through which a fastener can secure the beam adaptor to the beam; an upper surface that opens to a cavity connected with the front wall, and includes a flange extending therefrom; and a closed bottom surface. [0009] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a beam adaptor configured to attach beams for a vibrating power tool having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor having a planar body having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion and a lower portion; a plurality of first apertures from the lower to the upper surface that are configured to receive a fastener that attaches the beam adaptor to the base member; a second aperture disposed through the front and rear surfaces and configured to receive a fastener that attaches the beam to the beam adaptor; a recess in the lower portion that runs parallel to the plurality of first apertures.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a washer member for a vibrating power tool having a body having a longitudinal length a lateral length, an inner side, and an outer side opposite to the inner side; a plurality of apertures through the body arranged in a row. The apertures are arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal length and are arranged off center along the lateral length.

[0011] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a bolt cover for a vibrating fastening tool having a hollow body having one open side defining a cavity therein and an opposite closed side; a fastener plate arranged to cover the open side, the fastener plate having a plurality of through holes configured to receive fasteners.

[0012] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a guide system for a telescoping handle in a frame assembly having an outer frame member having an inner surface and a first length that is elongated; an inner frame member having an outer surface and a second length that is elongated, the inner frame member being slidably disposed within the outer frame member; a protrusion on the inner surface of the outer frame member; and a groove on the outer surface of the inner frame member, the groove being configured to mate with the protrusion and guide the inner frame member along the outer frame member. [0013] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a vibrating power tool having a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface a front portion and a rear portion; a beam connected to the base member; a motor disposed on the upper surface of the base member, the motor having a motor output shaft; an eccentric mass rotatably disposed on the motor output shaft and configured to vibrate a beam; a frame assembly disposed on the base member; and at least one pair of damper members disposed on the upper surface of the base member between the base member and the frame assembly and arranged at an angle of 90-degrees with respect to each other.

[0014] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a damping system for a vibrating power tool having a first damper member and a second damper member, each having a top portion, a bottom portion opposite to the top portion and a longitudinal axis therethrough; a through hole from the top portion to the bottom portion along the longitudinal axis; a fastener disposed in the through hole to fixedly mount the first and second damper members to the vibrating power tool at a non-parallel angle with respect to each other.

[0015] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a beam adaptor for a screed that is configured to mount screed beams having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor having a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface and a rear surface; an aperture through at least the front surface configured to receive a fastener; a flange portion projecting outward from the upper surface in a direction normal to the front surface to overhang the front surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention in its several aspects and embodiments solves the problems discussed above and significantly advances the technology of vibrating tools. The present invention can become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figs. 1A and IB illustrate a vibrating power tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view of the base member of the tool of Figs. 1A and IB;

[0019] Fig. 3 illustrates the motor and drive system disposed on the base member;

[0020] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate the power source and exploded vie of the power source housing;

[0021] Fig. 5 illustrates the motor cover and battery bottom cover;

[0022] Fig. 6 illustrates the location of the beam adaptor in the tool of Figs. 1 A and IB;

[0023] Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate the beam adaptor of the tool of Figs. 1 A and IB, to which beams having different cross sections can be mounted;

[0024] Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D illustrate a front, top, rear and bottom perspective views of a right-side beam adaptor;

[0025] Figs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate a front, top, rear and bottom perspective views of a left side beam adaptor;

[0026] Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary beam adaptor;

[0027] Figs. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate the beam adaptor assembly on the tool base;

[0028] Figs. 12A andl2B illustrate the beam adaptor attachment members; [0029] Fig. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of a beam adaptor;

[0030] Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate bottom perspective and plan views, respectively, of the second embodiment of the beam adapter;

[0031] Fig. 15 illustrates the second embodiment of the beam adaptor attached to the base member;

[0032] Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a beam adaptor;

[0033] Figs. 17A and 17B, illustrate a front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a beam adaptor;

[0034] Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate an example of the beam adaptor of the tool of Figs.

16A and 16B, to which beams having different cross sections can be mounted;

[0035] Figs. l9A and 19B illustrate an example of the beam adaptor of the tool of Figs.

16A and 16B, to which beams having different cross sections can be mounted;

[0036] Figs. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate a first embodiment of a beam adaptor washer mounted on the beam adaptor;

[0037] Figs. 21 A, 21B and 21C illustrate outer side, side and inner side views, respectively, of the first embodiment of the beam adaptor washer;

[0038] Fig. 22 illustrates the beam adaptor washer mounted on the tool of Figs, la and IB;

[0039] Fig. 23 illustrates a second embodiment of a beam adaptor washer mounted on the beam adaptor;

[0040] Figs. 24A, 24B and 24C illustrate outer side, rear perspective and inner side views, respectively, of the second embodiment of the beam adaptor washer;

[0041] Fig. 25 illustrates a bolt cover mounted to the base member; [0042] Fig. 26 illustrates bolt cover securement components;

[0043] Figs 27A and 27B illustrate the bolt cover on the base member and an enlarged view of the bolt cover on the base member;

[0044] Fig. 28 illustrates the bolt over mounted on the base member;

[0045] Fig. 29 illustrates the bolt cover and connected fastener plate;

[0046] Fig. 30 illustrates the fastener plate;

[0047] Fig. 31 illustrates an exploded view of the bolt cover and a portion of the base member;

[0048] Fig. 32 illustrates a frame assembly in the tool of Figs. 1A and IB;

[0049] Fig. 33 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly members in a clamp;

[0050] Figs. 34A and 34 B illustrate cross-sectional top view and cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the inner and outer frame members;

[0051] Figs. 35 and 35A illustrate the interface between the inner guide member and the outer guide member and an enlarged view of the interface, respectively;

[0052] Fig. 36 illustrates a damping system on the base member of the tool of Figs. 1 A and IB;

[0053] Fig. 37 illustrates a side view and enlarged view of the damping system on the base member; and

[0054] Fig. 38 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the damping system on the base member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The vibrating tool in its numerous and varied embodiments herein is cordless, balanced, and achieves high performance and ease of operator use. As illustrated, the vibrating tool can be a concrete screed. The vibrating tool can also be a concrete vibrator, a rammer, a tamper, a soil compactor, a compactor, a jumping jack compactor, a jumping jack tamper, a plate compactor, or a vibratory plate.

[0056] Figure 1A shows a front perspective view of a vibrating power tool. Figure IB shows a rear perspective view of the vibrating power tool. The vibrating power tool as shown in Figs. 1A and IB is a tool for smoothing concrete such as a screed tool. While Figs. 1A and IB show a screed tool, and other examples, any other type of concrete smoothing tool can be used. For example, the concrete smoothing tool can be power trowel.

[0057] A screed tool (or vibrating screed tool or screed) is a device used typically in construction projects to smooth and/or settle freshly poured (wet) or partially dried working materials, such as concrete or cement. The wet or partially dried concrete can often have to have lumps or surface voids, such as air pockets due to entrapped air or excess water in the concrete mixture. The screed generally comprises an eccentric mass or eccentric vibration mechanism is rotated by an electric motor to cause vibratory motion in a beam that is pulled across the surface of the working material. In certain embodiments, the predominant motion of the beam may be lateral or side-to-side. Due to the viscosity of the working material, vibrations may be transferred from the beam down into the working material. The transfer of vibrations can cause the lumps and air pockets in the working material to move to the surface and be removed so that the working material settles in a more homogenous state. While the beam is vibrated, a user pushes or pulls the beam across the surface of the working material, which also smooths the surface by spreading out the working material to remove lumps and surface voids.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 1A and IB, the screed includes a base assembly 12, a drive system 20 supported on the base assembly, a frame assembly 52 supported on the base assembly, and a power source housing 74 supported on the frame assembly. An interchangeable blade or beam is provided to contact the working material in order to transfer vibrations to the surface and eliminate air pockets, excess water and unevenness on the working material surface.

[0059] Fig. 2A illustrates the base assembly 12 of the screed. Fig. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the base assembly 12. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the base assembly 12 includes a base member 14 that supports components of the tool. The base member 14 has an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18, a front portion 17 and a rear portion 19. The front portion and rear portion are on opposite sides of a centerline C along the width of the base member 14. The base member 14 is contoured to nest the various tool components on both the upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface 16 of the base member 14 is designed to support the drive system 20, which includes an electric motor 22 and transmission 34. The lower surface 18 of the base member 14 is designed to support an eccentric vibration mechanism 24 that generates vibration in the base member 14 and beam, and beam attachment members.

[0060] Fig. 3 illustrates a side sectional view of the base member 14 and portions of the electric motor 22 and drive system for the screed. As shown, the screed 10 can include the motor 22 surrounded by a motor housing 26. The motor 22 can include a stator 28 and a rotor 30. A motor output shaft 32 can be configured to engage the transmission 34 at a transmission input gear 36, which is then coupled to a transmission output gear 38. The transmission output gear 38 can be connected to a tool input shaft 40. A support damper 42 and a coupling damper 44 can be included to reduce vibrations. The support damper 42 and the coupling damper are supported on a center upper portion 92 of the base member 14. A tool output shaft 46 can be connected to the coupling damper 44 and drive the eccentric vibration mechanism 24 to create the desired movement of the base member 14 and the beam 94 (the example shown being an “L-shaped” beam). As shown in Fig. 2B, the eccentric vibration mechanism 24 can be off-center from the motor 22 and the base member 14 such that its rotation creates a vibratory motion. The eccentric vibration mechanism 24 can be internal to the base member and can be protected by an eccentric vibration mechanism cover 48 mounted to the lower surface 18 of the base member.

[0061] In an embodiment shown in Figs. 2B and 3, the base member 14 has at least one downward extended projections or lip 50 that supports fasteners that secure the beam 94 to the base member.

[0062] Figs. 1A, IB and 6 illustrate the frame assembly 52. The frame assembly 52 has a lower end 54 proximal to the base member and an opposite free end 56 distal from the base member. The frame assembly also includes a power source mount 58. The frame assembly 52, at the lower end 56, can be mounted to the base member 14 by at least one vibration dampener 60 to isolate vibration between the vibrating base member 14 and the frame assembly.

[0063] The distal free end 56 of the frame assembly 52 supports a pair of handles 62, 64, one at each free end. The handles 62, 64 can be held by the user to control the movement and direction of the tool 10. The handles 62, 64 can have handle grips 66 that cushion the user’s hand against vibrations. The handle grips include grooves to reduce friction and slippage between the user’ s hand and the frame assembly. At least one handle is a control handle 64. The control handle 64 includes a lever 68 for activating control electronics or control module. The control module 70 turns the motor ON and OFF. The control module 70 is activated by pulling the lever 68 on the control handle. A cable 72 can connect the control handle 64 to the power source housing 74 The power source housing 74 can receive the cable pull from the control handle 64 to throttle the motor.

[0064] An optional lower handle 69 can be provided on the base member for the user to lift the screed.

[0065] In an example embodiment, the lower end 54 of the frame assembly 52 can also support a housing 74 that houses a power source and the control module 70 for the motor 22. Fig. 4A illustrates a power source 76 mounted on the housing and connected to the control handle 64. Fig. 4B illustrates an exploded view of the housing 74. The power source 76 can be removably supported by the housing 74 at one end of the housing. In an embodiment, the power source 76 can be a battery pack that includes one or more cells. Electrical energy from the battery pack can be used to supply power to the motor 22. The battery pack 76 may be of any desired type, such as rechargeable and/or disposable. In the example provided in Fig. 4B, the battery pack is rechargeable unit that can be removable from, and insertable into, a battery mount 78 in the housing 74. The housing 74 also includes a battery support 80 and a top cover 82. In an embodiment, the battery support 80 can be rigidly fixed to the frame assembly 52. The housing can be formed of any material including, but not limited to plastic, metal, or a composite material.

[0066] The motor 22 is mounted to the base member 14 between the battery housing 74 and the beam 94, 96, 98 and is powered by the battery 76. Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of a battery bottom cover 84 and motor cover 86 for the screed. The two covers can be connected with a rubber tube 88 (e.g., for electrical connections) and can interface at the motor cover 86 via a rubber tube plate 90. Beam adaptor

[0067] A simplified depiction of a beam for leveling and smoothing the working material is provided in Fig. 6, where such beams can be fastened to the base member 14 to receive the vibratory motion provided by rotation of the eccentric vibration mechanism 24.

[0068] Figs. 7A, 7B and 13 show examples of beam cross-sections. In various embodiments, the beam can have different cross sections that require different connecting points, for example the depicted “L-shaped,” cross-section 94 in Fig. 7A, the “double-triangle,” crosssection 96 in Fig. 7B, or “triangle-rectangle” cross-section 98 in Fig. 13.

[0069] The screed of the present invention can accommodate different types of beams through a beam adaptor 100. The beam adaptor 100 is a connector removably attachable or mountable to the bottom or lower portion 18 of the base member 14 to which a beam is mounted. In an embodiment, the beam adaptor 100 is configured to accommodate different types of beams having different attaching means and/or connecting points. As shown in Fig. 6, a pair of beam adaptors are disposed at opposite ends of the base member 14. Figs. 7 and 7B illustrate the L-shaped beam 94 and the double-triangle beam 96, that can be mounted to the base member 14 through a beam adaptor 100.

[0070] Fig. 13 illustrates a triangle-rectangle beam 98 that can be mounted to the base member 14 through a beam adaptor 140.

[0071] As shown in Figs. 6, 7A and 7B, the beam adaptor 100 is disposed between the base member 14 and the beam 94, 96, on the lower surface of the base member. As shown in Figs. 7A 7B, the beam adaptor 100 can be connected to the front lip 51 at the front portion 17 of the base member and to the rear lip 50 at the rear portion 19 of the base member.

[0072] Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate the features of the beam adaptor 100 that are attached to the base member 14 and to which beams having different cross-sections can be attached. Figs. 8A-8D illustrate a right-side beam adaptor 100 and Figures 9A-9D illustrate a left-side beam adaptor. The right and left side beam adaptors 100 are mirror images of each other. The beam adaptors 100 include a front wall 102, a rear wall 104, side walls 106, 108, an upper surface 110, and a lower surface 112. The front wall 102 can be substantially planar. The front wall 102 and the rear wall 104 are disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of the adaptor 100. The side walls 106, 108 are formed adj acent to the front and rear walls and are disposed on opposite sides of the adaptor from each other. The upper and lower surfaces 110, 112 connect the front 102, rear 104 and side walls 106, 108 together.

[0073] The front wall 102 and the rear wall 104 each have a beam adaptor attachment aperture or bore therethrough that receives a fastener, such as a beam securing bolt 124, that secures the beam adaptor and/ or the beam to the base member. A front bore 120 through the front wall 102 is designed to receive the beam securing bolt 124 to secure the front of the beam adaptor to a front portion of the base member 14 (Fig. 7B). A rear bore 122 through the rear wall 104 is also designed to receive a beam securing bolt 124 to secures the rear of the beam adaptor to a rear portion of the base member 14 and to a portion of the L-shaped beam 94 (Fig. 7A).

[0074] The rear lip 50 includes a plurality of apertures that receive at least one fastener 124 that supports the beam on the beam adaptor 100, and fasteners 118 that support the beam adaptor on the base member 14.

[0075] The beams 94, 96 illustrated, and other beams can be secured to the beam adaptor 100 by one or more fasteners 124, depending on the beam cross-section.

[0076] Front bore 120 opens to a cavity 105 in the center of the adaptor. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8B, 8C, 9B and 9C, the bore 120 in the front wall 102 is non-coaxial with the bore 122 in the rear wall 104. As such, the bolt in the front wall of the beam adaptor can be tightened separately from the bolt in the rear wall. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the bore in the front wall can be coaxial with the bore in the rear wall so that a single bolt 124 can secure the beam 94, 96 to the adaptor.

[0077] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the beam adaptor 100, showing the bores 120, 122 through which the bolt 124 secures a beam 94, 96 to the beam adaptor 100.

[0078] As shown in Figs. 8A-8D and Figs. 9A-9D, the front wall 102 also includes a base coupling portion 114 in the form of a flange by which the adaptor 100 is secured to the lower surface 18 of the base member 14 (Fig. 11A). In an embodiment, the upper surface 110 of the beam adaptor 100 can be secured to the lower surface 18 of the base member 14 by the base coupling portion 114. The base coupling portion 114 can have a recess in an upper surface that facilitates attachment to the base member 14. In an embodiment, the base coupling portion 114 can have one or more through holes 116 that can receive a fastener 118 such as a bolt or a screw to secure the adaptor 100 to the base member 14 in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the beam adaptor. The rear wall 104 includes one or more through holes 117 that can receive a fastener 118 such as a bolt or screw to secure the rear portion of the beam adaptor 100 to the base member 14 (Fig. 11B).

[0079] The cavity 105 in the upper surface of the beam adaptor 100 is directed away from the liquefied working material. The lower surface 112 of the beam adaptor 100 is closed to protect the beam securing bolts 124 from contact with the liquefied working material. Contact with the working material that has hardened on the beam adaptor securing bolt prevents the bolt from being removed from the beam when necessary, such as for changing from one beam type to another beam type. Although bolts are shown to secure the beam adaptor to the base member, a screw fastener can also be used.

[0080] Figs. 12A and 12B also illustrate the interior cavity 105 of the beam adaptor 100. A nut platform 126 on which a front nut 128 and washer 129 secures the bolt 124 in the front bore 120, is disposed in a recess 132 within the cavity between the front wall 102 and rear wall 104. A rear nut 130 that secures the bolt in the rear bore 122 is disposed within the rear wall 104.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7A, for the L-shaped beam 94, the beam adaptor securing bolt 124 can pass through the rear wall 104 of the beam adaptor and the base member rear lip 50 and be tightened by the rear nut 130 disposed in the rear wall 104 of the adaptor 100. In this way, the beam adaptor securing bolt 124 retains the beam on the base member 14.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 7B, for the double-triangle beam 96, the beam adaptor securing bolt is tightened against the base member front lip 51 by the front nut 128 disposed in the cavity 105 of the adaptor 100. An adaptor hook portion 132 projects downwardly from the rear wall 104 of the beam adaptor 100 and is adapted to grab a portion of the beam 96. In the embodiment shown, the adaptor hook 132 engages an indentation on the back of the beam 96. When the beam adaptor securing bolt 124 is tightened, the base member front lip 51 and the adaptor hook 132 wedge the beam 96 therebetween to limit forward and rearward movement of the beam.

[0083] As shown in Figs. 13, 14A, 14B and 15, another embodiment of the beam adaptor 140 is configured to secure a triangle-rectangle beam 98 to the base member 14. The beam adaptor 140 can have a planar body 142, such as in the form of a plate. As illustrated, the planar body 142 has a front surface 156, a rear surface 158, an upper portion 147 and a lower portion 148. The planar body 142 is non-linear in a longitudinal direction thereof. The body has a first arm 144 and a second arm 146. The first arm 144 of the body has at least one bore 150 between the upper portion 147 and the lower portion 148. The bore 150 receives a fastener, such as bolt 118, that secures the beam adaptor 140 to the base member 14. The first arm 144 of the body also includes a substantially central aperture 152 that is configured to receive a fastener such as bolt 124 to attach the beam to the beam adaptor 140. The second arm 146 is obtuse to the first arm 144 an incudes a recess 154 in the lower portion 148. The recess 154 in the lower portion has a length that runs parallel to the bore 150. The recess 154 allows for adjustment of the beam 98 after the beam is attached to the base member 14. The first 144 and second 146 arms can be connected by a sloped portion. As shown the sloped portion is at an angle with respect to both the first and second arms. Left and right beam adaptors 140 have a mirror image of each other and can secure the trianglerectangle beam 98 to the base member 14. Other projections on the second arm serve to secure and adjust the beam with respect to the beam adaptor.

[0084] Although a triangle-rectangle beam is illustrated, the beam adaptor can secure any beam having a rectangular cross section.

[0085] In an alternate embodiment of the beam adaptor, beam adaptor 160 shown in Figs. 16A, 16B, 17A and 17B. Like reference numbers indicate like parts in the figures. The beam adaptor 160 includes a beam coupling portion 162. The beam coupling portion connects the beam adaptor to the beam. The beam adaptor can be used with L-shaped beam 94 and double-triangle beam 96as shown in Figs. 18A nd l8B. As shown in Figs. 19A and 19B, abeam, such as trianglerectangle beam 98 can be secured onto the beam adaptor via a fastener 168 through beam coupling portion 162. The beam coupling 162 projects laterally outwardly as an arm from at least one of the side walls 108 of the adaptor. The beam coupling has a proximal end near the side wall 108 and an opposite distal end. A beam coupling hole 164 is disposed at the distal end. The beam coupling hole 164 receives a fastener that passes through and is received in an aperture in the top of the beam. The fastener can then be secured in the beam by a nut. The proximal end of the beam coupling has a recess 166 that receives the fastener 168 to connect the adaptor 160 a beam, such as a triangle-rectangle beam 98. The recess 166 is open in a side portion of the beam coupling 162 to allow for adjustment of the beam 98 on the adaptor. In an embodiment, the beam coupling hole can be oval in shape to allow for adjustment of the beam on the adaptor. In an alternate embodiment, the beam coupling hole can be round or any shape.

[0086] The beam adaptor 100, 160 provides users with the ability to attach to the base member 14, different types of beams 94, 96, 98 having different cross sections, thus greatly improving the universality and convenience of the screed.

Washer Member

[0087] As shown in Figs. 20A, 20B, 20C, 21A, 21B, 21C and 22, a beam adaptor washer 170 can be disposed on the beam adaptor 100 between the securing bolt 124 and the rear wall 104 of the beam adaptor. As shown in Figs. 21 A, 2 IB and 21C, the beam adaptor washer or washer 170 has an elongated body 172. The washer has an inner side 252 that faces the base member and an opposing outer side 254 that faces away from the beam member. The body 172 of the washer has a plurality of apertures 174, 176. In an embodiment, a center aperture 174 and two side apertures 176 are provided. The side apertures 176 have projecting cutout portions or flanges 178 on the inner side 252 that stabilize the washer 170 on the beam adaptor 100 when the user removes the beam, such as when changing from one type of beam to a different type of beam. The plastic washer 170 is fixed to the lip 50 of the base member 14 by bolts 118 that pass through the projecting cutout or flange portions 178. As a result, when the user changes out the beams, the washer 170 remains fixed to the base member 14 reducing the likelihood of the washer being lost. [0088] In an alternate embodiment, shown in Figs. 23, 24A, 24B and 24C, a washer 180 has an elongated body 182 with a plurality of apertures 184, 186. In an embodiment, a center aperture 184 and two side apertures 186 are provided. The center aperture 184 has a substantially oval shape and the two side apertures 186 have a substantially arched shape. The side apertures 186 have projecting cutout portions 188 that stabilize the washer 180 on the beam adaptor 100 when the user removes the beam, such as when changing from one type of beam to a different type of beam. The plastic washer 180 is fixed to the lip 50 of the base member 14 by bolts 118 that pass through the projecting cutout portions 188. The projecting cutout portions 188 are also arch shaped and have an aperture 190 therein for receiving the fastener 118. The projecting cutout portions 188 are L-shaped and also attached to the body at one side 192.

[0089] In an embodiment, the washer member 170, 180 can be made from any material including metal or plastic. In the embodiments shown, the washer member is made of plastic.

Bolt Cover

[0090] In an embodiment, the screed includes a bolt cover 194 that covers the bolt 124. In use, the bolt 124 is subject to the liquified concrete, molten asphalt, or other liquefied material being laid. When the material hardens, it becomes difficult to remove the bolt and thereby the beam member. Therefore, in order to protect the bolt from such materials, the bolt cover 194 is provided.

[0091] The bolt cover 194 protects the beam securing bolt 124 that secures the beam 98 onto the base member 14, from the liquefied material. As shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the base member 14 includes a downwardly extending projection or rear lip 50. The rear lip 50 mates with a vertical portion 94a of the L-beam. The rear lip 50 and the vertical portion 94a of the L-beam 98 have apertures 136, 138, respectively, (Fig. 30A) that can be aligned for receiving the beam securing bolt 124 that connects the L-beam to the base member 14.

[0092] As shown in Figs. 25, 26, 27A, 27B, and 31, the beam securing bolt 124 is disposed through the aligned apertures 136, 138 to secure the L-beam 98 on the base member 14. The bolt 124 has a head portion 124a and a shank portion 124b.

[0093] As shown in Figs. 27A and 27B, the bolt cover 194 is a hollow body having a cavity 196 that receives the shank 124b of the bolt 124. The bolt cover 194 can be connected to the bolt 124 at the shank 124b, for example. The bolt cover 194 protects the bolt threads from concrete that could cover the bolt, making it difficult to remove the bolt and thus, the beam member from the base member. The bolt cover 194 also prevents a securing nut 204 on the shank portion 124b from being lost in the liquefied material when the beam member 94 is being changed. Fig. 28 illustrates the bolt cover mounted on the base member.

[0094] The bolt cover is illustrated as open at one end. A fastener plate portion 198 shown in Figs. 29 and 30 can be provided over the open end of the bolt cover. The fastener plate portion 198 can be integrally formed with the hollow body or separately connected to the hollow body. The fastener plate portion 198 covers the hollow body and provide guide holes 200 for receiving fasteners that secure the bolt cover to the base member and that also guide and support the beam securing bolt 124.

[0095] The bolt cover 194 can be formed from any material including, but not limited to, investment casting, injection molding or other forms of fabrication. In an embodiment, the bolt cover can be formed from A380 aluminum. The fastener plate includes a central aperture 202 for receiving the shank of the beam securing bolt. The fastener plate also includes a recess 206 in the central aperture that corresponds to the shape of the nut and can retain the nut so that only the beam securing bolt 124 needs to be turned with a wrench (Fig. 26) to secure the beam member 94 on the base member 14. In an embodiment, the recess 206 in the fastener plate of the bolt cover can have a hex shape as shown in Fig. 30. Alternatively, the recess can have a round shape that receives a round washer in which the beam securing bolt 124 is secured. The interior of the bolt cover 194 includes a stepped surface 208 that can retain the nut inside without rotation when locking the nut. A first stepped surface 208a at the open end supports a washer and a second stepped surface 208b adjacent to the first stepped surface supports a nut.

[0096] The fastener plate 198 of the bolt cover 194 includes threaded apertures for receiving fasteners (Fig. 31) that secure the bolt cover to the base member. The threaded apertures 200 are located on opposite sides of the central aperture. Additionally, the nut can remain in the bolt cover when the bolt is loosened to release the beam member.

Guide System in a Frame Assembly

[0097] A guide system is provided on the frame assembly in order for the user to accurately and securely adjust the height of the frame assembly. The frame assembly 52 of the screed has an open end that is capped by handles 62, 64 that can be gripped by the user. The frame assembly 52 also has a closed end opposite to the open end. As shown in Fig. 32, the frame assembly 52 includes an inner frame member 210 at the open end and an outer frame member 212, a portion of which forms the closed end of the frame assembly. The inner frame member 210 includes a substantially linear section 216 at one end and a handle mount 214 at a free end for mounting handles 62, 64. The handle mount 214 can be bent at an angle with respect to the linear section 216. The linear section 216 of the inner frame member 210 is slidingly disposed within the outer frame member 212 in a telescoping manner, allowing each handle 62, 64 to move closer to or farther away from the outer frame member. As a result, the height of the frame assembly 52 can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the user. Scale lines indicated on the inner frame member 210 give the user a guide to the height of the inner frame member 210 with respect to the outer frame member 212. The inner frame member 210 and the outer frame member 212 can be held together by a clamp. 218.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 33, the clamp 218 can be a C-shaped body having an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the clamp 218 can be placed around the outer frame member 212. In the closed position, a bolt 220 can secure the free ends of the clamp in a fixed position toward each other. The clamp 218 provides a clamping force against the outer frame member 212 to hold the inner 210 and outer frame members together. In the closed position of the clamp 220, the inner and outer frame members 210, 212 remain in fixed relation with respect to each other. As such, the clamp 220 prevents the inner and outer frame members 210, 212 from separating during operation of the screed. In an embodiment, the clamp can be a keyed clamp as shown. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp can be a keyless clamp as known in the art.

[0099] In an embodiment, the inner and outer frame members 210, 212 can be formed by aluminum extrusion.

[00100] A guide member 222 is provided on the outer frame member. The guide member 222 aligns the inner frame member 210 in a non-rotational manner along the outer frame member 212. The guide member 222 also prevents rotation of the inner frame member during assembly, and minimizes relative rotation with respect to the outer frame member 212 when clamped. The guide member 222 can have a protrusion 226 of the outer frame member 212 toward the inner frame member 210, that mates with a recess or groove 224 along the outer surface of the inner frame member. The protrusion 226 on the inner surface of the outer frame member can be convex. The groove 224 can extend the entire length of the inner frame member 210. The protrusion 226 of the guide member 222 in the groove 224 of the inner frame member 210 prevents the inner frame member from rotating when the inner frame member slides within the outer frame member 212. In an embodiment, as shown, the guide member 222 has a single protrusion 226 formed from an indentation 228 in the outer surface of the outer frame member 212. In an alternate embodiment, the guide member can be a protrusion that extends partially along or fully along the length of the outer guide member 212. The outer frame member 212 also includes an indentation 226 on an outer surface that protrudes into the inner surface and that mates with a groove along an outer surface of the inner frame member. The indentation on the outer surface of the outer frame member 212 defines the location of the protrusion on the inner surface of the outer frame member. In this way, the user can align the groove of the inner frame member 210 on the protrusion 226 of the outer frame member 212. This arrangement allows the inner frame member to slide along the outer frame member 212 without rotation.

[00101] In an embodiment, the inner frame member 210 can be a sliding bar. In a further embodiment, the inner and outer frame members 210, 212 can be tubular. In an embodiment, the handle mount 214 can be in-line with the substantially linear section.

[00102] The outer frame member 212 also supports a kickstand 240 that props up the tool when at rest.

Damping System

[00103] A damping system 230 of Figs. 36, 37, 37A and 38, is disposed between the frame assembly 52 and the base member 14. The damping system 230 dampens the vibration caused by the eccentric vibration mechanism 24 on the frame assembly 52. At the closed end, the outer frame 212 of the frame assembly 52 is connected to the base member 14. The closed end of the frame assembly 52 can include frame assembly plates 232 for mounting and supporting the damper members 60The damping system 230 includes a plurality of vibration dampeners or damper members 60 that are configured in a non-parallel arrangement with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown, the damper members 60 in the damping system 230 are arranged in a V-shape with respect to each other. In the embodiment illustrate, the damper members can be arranged at an angle A of 90-degrees with respect to each other. This angle provides lower stiffness of the damping system to achieve a higher vibration reduction rate. Although an angle of 90-degrees is illustrated, the damper members can be arranged at any non-parallel angle, for example, an angle of less than 180-degrees.

[00104] The damper members 60 have a top portion 246 and a bottom portion 248. As shown, a damper member 60 can be connected to both the frame assembly plate 232 and the base member 14 by a bolt 234. The bolt 234 can pass through the damper member 60 from the top portion 246 to the bottom portion 248 and connect the damper member to the frame plate 232. The damper member can then be secured to the base member by a damper nut 244. The damper members 60 can be attached to the plates at the closed end of the frame assembly 52. As shown, the damper member can have parallel sides. The damper mounts 238 of the upper surface 16 of the base member 14 is shown as having a sloped surface with respect to center upper portion 92 of the base member. Each damper member 60 is arranged between a sloped upper portion of the base member and the frame plate. The sloped upper portion of the base member is parallel with the bottom surface of the damper member and parallel to the frame plate. The damper member can have a central axis that is coaxial with the axis of the damper bolt.

[00105] Fig. 38 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the damper member 60. As shown the top portion and the bottom portion of the damper member are recessed from the top 246 and bottom 248 portion of the damper member. A flange 256 that supports the bolt 234 can be disposed in the recessed top portion 248 of the damper member 60.

[00106] In an embodiment, the damper member can be a solid rubber bumper. Alternate materials include polypropylene, carbon fiber or other absorbent materials. In an embodiment, the damper can have a bellows cross-section. In an embodiment, the damper member 60 can be a D50 damper.

[00107] While aspects of the present invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in the context of a vibrating power tool, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention, in its broadest aspects, has further applicability.

[00108] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples is expressly contemplated herein, even if not specifically shown or described, so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description, and the appended claims

Claims

We claim:

1. A vibrating power tool comprising: a base member; a beam connected to the base member; a motor disposed on the base member, the motor having a motor output shaft; an eccentric mass rotatably disposed on the motor output shaft and configured to vibrate the beam; a housing containing a control module that controls operation of the motor; and a beam adaptor mounted on the base member and configured to secure the beam and multiple types of beams having different cross-sections to the base member.

2. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the beam adaptor is positioned between the base member and the beam.

3. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1 , wherein the beam adaptor comprises through holes through which fasteners attach the beam adaptor to the base member.

4. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the beam adaptor is configured to attach to the lower surface of the base member.

5. The vibrating power tool according to claim 4, wherein the base member further comprises downward projecting portions on the lower surface, and wherein the beam adaptor is mounted to the base member between downward projecting portions of the base member.

6. The vibrating power tool according to claim 5, wherein the beam adaptor is connected to base member through at least one downward projecting portion.

7. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the beam adaptor is removably mountable to the base member.

9. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1 , wherein the beam adaptor comprises at least one bore through which the beam is attached to the beam adaptor.

10. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the beam adaptor comprises a front wall having a front bore through which a fastener can secure the beam to the beam adaptor; and a rear wall having a rear bore through which a fastener can secure the beam adaptor to the beam.

11. The vibrating power tool according to claim 10, wherein the front bore is noncoaxial with the rear bore.

12. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1 , wherein the beam adaptor further comprises a hook portion configured to grab a corresponding portion of the beam.

13. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric mass is a vibration mechanism.

14. The vibrating power tool according to claim 1, wherein the vibrating power tool is a screed.

15. A beam adaptor configured for attachment to beams for a vibrating power tool having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor comprising: a front wall having a front bore through which a fastener can secure the beam adaptor to a beam; a rear wall having a rear bore through which a fastener can secure the beam adaptor to the beam; an upper surface that opens to a cavity connected with the front wall, and includes a flange extending therefrom; and a closed bottom surface.

16. A beam adaptor configured to attach beams for a vibrating power tool having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor comprising: a planar body having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion and a lower portion; a plurality of first apertures from the lower to the upper surface that are configured to receive a fastener that attaches the beam adaptor to the base member; a second aperture disposed through the front and rear surfaces and configured to receive a fastener that attaches the beam to the beam adaptor; a recess in the lower portion that runs parallel to the plurality of first apertures.

17. The beam adaptor according to claim 16, wherein the planar body has a first arm and a second arm arranged at an obtuse angle to each other.

18. The beam adaptor according to claim 17, wherein the second aperture is disposed in the first arm, and the recess is disposed in the second arm.

19. The beam adaptor according to claim 16, wherein the planar body has a non-linear cross-section in a longitudinal direction.

20. The beam adaptor according to claim 16, wherein a sloped surface connects the first arm and the second arm.

21. The beam adaptor according to claim 16, wherein the planar body is formed from a metal.

22. A washer member for a vibrating power tool comprising: a body having a longitudinal length a lateral length, an inner side, and an outer side opposite to the inner side; a plurality of apertures through the body arranged in a row, wherein the apertures are arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal length, and wherein the apertures are arranged off center along the lateral length.

23. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the outer side is planar, and the inner side is non-planar.

24. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the inner side has a flange around d at least one of the plurality of apertures.

25. The washer member according to claim 24, wherein the flange has a rim.

26. The washer member according to claim 25, wherein the flange is tapered at the rim.

27. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises a center aperture and two side apertures.

28. The washer member according to claim 27, wherein each of the two side apertures have a flange therearound on the inner side.

29. The washer member according to claim 27, wherein at least one of the two side apertures have a flange therearound on the inner side.

30. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of apertures is oval.

31. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of apertures is round.

32. The washer member according to claim 22, wherein the washer member is formed from plastic.

33. A bolt cover for a vibrating fastening tool comprising: a hollow body having one open side defining a cavity therein and an opposite closed side; a fastener plate arranged to cover the open side, the fastener plate having a plurality of through holes configured to receive fasteners.

34. The bolt cover according to claim 33, wherein at least one of the plurality of through holes are threaded.

35. The bolt cover according to claim 33, wherein the fastener plate comprises a central aperture.

36. The bolt cover according to claim 35, wherein the fastener plate comprises threaded apertures on opposite sides of the center aperture.

37. The bolt cover according to claim 35, wherein the central aperture includes a recess.

38. The bolt cover according to claim 37, wherein the recess has a hex shape.

39. The bolt cover according to claim 37, wherein the recess has a circular shape.

40. The bolt cover according to claim 33, wherein the bolt cover hollow body has an interior cavity that narrows from the open side to the closed side.

41. The bolt cover according to claim 40, wherein the surface of the cavity is a stepped surface.

42. The bolt cover according to claim 41, wherein a first stepped surface at the open end supports a washer and a second stepped surface adjacent to the first stepped surface supports a nut.

43. The bolt cover according to claim 33, wherein the bolt cover is formed from a metal.

44. The bolt cover according to claim 33, wherein the fastener plate is formed from a metal.

45. A guide system for a telescoping handle in a frame assembly comprising: an outer frame member having an inner surface and a first length that is elongated; an inner frame member having an outer surface and a second length that is elongated, the inner frame member being slidably disposed within the outer frame member; a protrusion on the inner surface of the outer frame member; and a groove on the outer surface of the inner frame member, the groove being configured to mate with the protrusion and guide the inner frame member along the outer frame member.

46. The guide system according to claim 45, wherein the groove is linear and is disposed along the second length.

47. The guide system according to claim 45, wherein the groove extends along substantially the entire second length of the inner frame member.

48. The guide system according to claim 45, wherein the protrusion is circular.

49. The guide system according to claim 45, wherein the protrusion extends along the entire length of the outer frame member.

50. A vibrating power tool comprising: a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface a front portion and a rear portion; a beam connected to the base member; a motor disposed on the upper surface of the base member, the motor having a motor output shaft; an eccentric mass rotatably disposed on the motor output shaft and configured to vibrate a beam; a frame assembly disposed on the base member; and at least one pair of damper members disposed on the upper surface of the base member between the base member and the frame assembly and arranged at an angle of 90-degrees with respect to each other.

51. The vibrating power tool according to claim 50, wherein the at least one pair of dampers comprises a first damper member fastened to a front portion of the base member and a second damper fastened to a rear portion of the base member.

52. The vibrating power tool according to claim 50, wherein each damper member has a top portion and a bottom portion, and wherein each damper member is fastened to the base member with a bolt that passes through the top portion to the bottom portion and into the base member.

53. The vibrating power tool according to claim 52, wherein a center of the top portion and a center of the bottom portion of each damper member is recessed from an edge thereof.

54. The vibrating power tool according to claim 50, wherein the frame assembly coupled to the base member via a fastening member through the at least one pair of damper members.

55. The vibrating power tool according to claim 50, wherein the power tool is a screed.

56. A damping system for a vibrating power tool comprising: a first damper member and a second damper member, each having a top portion, a bottom portion opposite to the top portion and a longitudinal axis therethrough; a through hole from the top portion to the bottom portion along the longitudinal axis; a fastener disposed in the through hole to fixedly mount the first and second damper members to the vibrating power tool at a non-parallel angle with respect to each other.

57. The damping system according to claim 56, wherein one of the first damper member and the second damper member is mounted on the vibrating power tool at an angle of 90- degrees with respect to each other.

58. The damping system according to claim 56, wherein the top portions of the first and second damper members being arranged to face each other; and

59. The damping system according to claim 56, wherein the at least a portion of the top portion and the bottom portion of the first and second damper members is recessed.

60. The damping system according to claim 56, wherein the top portion of the first and the second damper members includes a flange member that supports the fastener.

61. A beam adaptor for a screed that is configured to mount screed beams having different cross-sections, the beam adaptor comprising: a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface and a rear surface; an aperture through at least the front surface configured to receive a fastener; a flange portion projecting outward from the upper surface in a direction normal to the front surface to overhang the front surface.

62. The beam adaptor according to claim 61, wherein the front surface is substantially planar.

63. The beam adaptor according to claim 61, wherein the flange portion is configured to support the beam adaptor on the base member.

64. The beam adaptor according to claim 61, wherein the flange portion has a recessed upper surface.